5th Man Down (band)

Infobox Musical artist
Name = 5th Man Down

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Origin = Croydon, England
Genre = Alternative rock
Years_active = 1998–present
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Current_members = Glen Korner
Stephen Clements
Russell Wark
Ben Sleeman
Past_members = Chris Lewis

5th Man Down are an alternative rock band from Croydon, UK. They have released one full-length album, "Are We Harmless?" (2003) on Casket Records, and two EPs, "Pure" (2002) and "Root Mean Square" (2006).

Influences

5th Man Down have been likened to bands such as The Foo Fighters, Alter Bridge, Tool, Led Zeppelin, Pearl Jam, Faith No More and Incubus, with a predominantly "American" sound with sung, melodic vocals, intricate guitar work and a heavy, syncopated rhythm section. More eclectic, experimental and heavier influences can be heard in their later material.

Members

* Glen Korner - vocals and lead guitar
* Stephen Clements - rhythm guitar
* Russell Wark - bass guitar
* Ben Sleeman - drums

The band was originally formed in 1998 as SON/R by Glen Korner and Stephen Clements, on lead guitar/vocals, and rhythm guitar, respectively. With the addition of Chris Lewis on bass guitar and Ben Sleeman on drums, they changed their name to 5th Man Down, and began to play the local South London circuit.

In March 2000, Chris Lewis left the band due to creative differences, and was replaced (on the same night as Lewis' departure) by Russell Wark. The band played around the UK extensively, and were well received during two short US tours.

Highlights

The band have recorded two music videos (for the tracks, "I Cried" and "Wasted Time") and played the Bloodstock heavy metal festival in Derby, UK, on the main stage in 2003. The album, "Are We Harmless?" received mostly positive reviews in the rock press. The band also undertook two short, self-funded US tours.

Current activities

As of December 2006, 5th Man Down are currently on hiatus as the band members pursue other projects. Glen Korner and Stephen Clements currently play with the metal-influenced band Godsized, and Ben Sleeman is playing with the progressive/punk-influenced Lawn Sausage. The band have not ruled out working together again in the future. In the meantime, an EP of recent recordings, "Root Mean Square", has been released via iTunes.

Links

[http://www.myspace.com/5thmandown Official Myspace page]
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8mMz1BV3R0 Wasted Time video on YouTube]
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SPM8fDmDTY I Cried video on YouTube]