London synth pop duo 2.54
Ever since The XX skulked into the studio for an extended break from the spotlight to record their second album, there’s been a big, languid synth pop shaped hole in our lives. And it may have been a long wait but a successor to the throne is slowly but surely emerging – London based duo 2.54.
Consisting of London based sisters Hannah and Colette Thurlow, the twosome specialise in music that’s gloomy and dreamy and melodic. They also have an intriguing sartorial style pitched somewhere between vintage princess and moody rock star.
We caught up with Colette to get to know 2.54 and their wardrobes a little better…
farfetch.com: How did 2.54 begin?
Colette: Hannah and I started playing music for fun in our teens. We taught ourselves guitar and took it from there! And since we're obsessed with moments in songs, the band name comes from 2 minutes 54 seconds into our favourite Melvins track - A History of Bad Men from A Senile Animal.
How would you describe your sound?
It's dark, it can be heavy in places but there's also a pop sensibility at work too.
Any major sources of inspiration?
Our album cover was shot in Co.Clare on the west coast of Ireland where we spent our childhood summers. It's a wild, turbulent landscape with cliffs, islands and rough seas. It's mystical, tough, beautiful.
How have things changed since the band took off?
We always wanted to do music full time, that's the dream for any aspiring musician. The reality is working jobs that pay the rent full time and making music as much as possible in between, which we did until very recently. So it's amazing to be able to play every day.
What’s been the highlight of 2012 so far?
Everything! Releasing our record, headlining the Scala, and our tour of the US which we just came back from.
Would you say you’re into fashion?
In regards to the band, we keep it simple fashion-wise, we're concentrating on the show, on the performance, not what we look like so the clothes have to feel easy.
Did you have an on-stage look?
We wear what we're comfortable in. Since our teens Hannah has always worn black, and I've always worn leather jackets and red lipstick. It would be amazing to have access to great clothes, but for now we throw together what we can from our own wardrobes. I like to wear white on stage with red lips because I think it's a simple, classic combination. We always borrow each other's stuff too which is super handy.
What sort of clothes do you like to wear?
We're in a van 90% of our time so blazers, leather jackets, jeans and Chelsea boots keep us going. We wear a lot of Cos. We'd be dressed head-to-toe in
Acne or
Rick Owens if we could ever afford it!
Who are your style icons?
Our mum, Jacinta, the most stylish woman in the world.