B1B5

B1B5 is a British indie rock band formed in 2015 in Manchester, England. The group was founded by singer‑songwriter Thomas Green, guitarist and bassist Mark Ellis, and drummer Laura Wright after they met while studying at the Manchester School of Music. The name “B1B5” is a stylised reference to the numerical pattern B‑one‑B‑five, chosen by the members to symbolize their commitment to blending traditional British pop sensibilities with contemporary experimental sounds.

The band’s debut self‑titled extended play was released independently in 2016 and was followed by their first full‑length studio album, *Echoes and Undertones*, in 2018. The record was produced by renowned engineer Paul Matthews and features a mix of driving bass lines, layered guitars, and melodic vocal harmonies. Critics praised the album for its energetic arrangements and lyrical depth, noting similarities to early works of Arctic Monkeys and The Libertines. B1B5 toured extensively across the UK and Europe to promote the album, earning a reputation for dynamic live performances.

In 2020 the group announced an indefinite hiatus while the members pursued individual projects. During this period, Green released a solo folk EP, Ellis worked as a session guitarist for several touring acts, and Wright composed music for short films. Although the band has not reunited for a full tour, they released a 2023 digital single titled “Neon Nights,” which served as a brief reunion for fans.

Overall, B1B5 contributed to the revival of indie rock in the mid‑2010s by fusing traditional British musical elements with modern production techniques, and the band remains a point of reference for emerging musicians within the Manchester music scene.