Taking their name from an old-fashioned term for a good friend, Coves is the psychedelic garage pop duo of vocalist Rebekah Wood and multi-instrumentalist John Ridgard. Inspired by '60s garage rock as well as visionary producers like Joe Meek, Phil Spector, and Martin Hannett, the pair recorded a self-titled EP in Ridgard's studio, which they self-released in August 2011. Those songs caught the attention of A&R man and 1965 label founder James Endeacott, who joined the band's management team, and of Echo & the Bunnymen, who invited the duo to tour with them in early 2012. After signing to the Cross Keys label, Coves released their official debut EP, Cast a Shadow, in May 2012. ~ Heather Phares