variantfour

Variantfour is an English indie rock band that originated in London in 2007. The group consists of vocalist and guitarist Alex Reynolds, bassist Maya Chen, drummer Nigel Parker, and keyboardist Sarah Iqbal. The band formed while the members were studying at the University of Westminster, initially playing cover songs at campus events before developing an original sound described as a blend of post‑punk energy and lo‑fi shoegaze aesthetics.

Their debut EP, “Static Canvas,” was released independently in 2010 and attracted attention in niche independent music circles for its cryptic lyrics and jagged guitar work. Major radio play came with the single “Retrograde” from their first full‑length album, *Neon Haze*, which debuted in 2013 on the independent label Broken Horizon Records. The album was praised for its atmospheric production and intricate vocal harmonies. In a review by *Pitchfork* the album was described as “a tightly woven tapestry of urban melancholy.”

After touring across Europe and the United States, Variantfour took a hiatus in 2015 to focus on solo projects. They returned with the 2018 album *Oblivion Line* on an independent imprint, gaining a cult following among indie music blogs. The band’s subsequent releases, *Electric Veins* (2020) and *Sonic Mirage* (2022), have continued to solidify their reputation for dense soundscapes and introspective lyrics. Variantfour’s music has been cited as an influence by emerging indie and dream‑pop artists in the early 2020s. The group remains active, touring sporadically and releasing digital singles through their own website.