Institut Polare began life as a trio, back in 2004 when vocalist Erik Hecht, bassist David Thirkettle-Watts and guitarist Ash Blakeney formed the band in the suburbs of Perth. The lineup quickly grew and, before too long, featured somewhere between seven and nine members adding to the band’s rich and textured pop sound.

In 2005, Blakeney left the band, with cousin Ben taking his place. Now featuring guitarist Sam Wass, drummer Russell Loasby, violinist Catherine Colvin and keyboard and trumpet man Elliott Brannen, Institut Polaire began a relentless gigging schedule that took them to almost ever bar in Perth and put them alongside the likes of Gerling, Lou Barlow, The Panics and Architecture in Helsinki. Hecht also won the acclaim of the WA music industry when he was awarded the WAM Song of the Year for City Walls and Empires.

All the band’s hard work paid off, when Popfrenzy offered IP a deal early in 2007. To celebrate, the band set off on its first east coast tour, opening for Scottish labelmates Camera Obscura. Their debut EP is due for release in July, with an album tentatively scheduled to hit shelves at the end of the year.