The Upper Fifth are a West Midlands/Oxford based group that emerged from probably one of the best Mod bands of the 80's - namely Makin' Time, from whose ashes The Charlatans were spawned.

Together, vocalist and guitarist Mark "Syd" McGounden has assembled the nucleus of The Upper Fifth, namely Mick Couch on bass/vocals, Andy Axberg on Hammond Organ/Piano and completing the pack Kevin "Toppo" Topping on drums.

Our four heroes have since plied their trade with countless gigs, most notably at London's 100 Club, which resulted in a debut single, "Lyin' to You," on the biggest Mod label in the UK - Detour Records.

2007 saw the rollercoaster ride continue with a support slot to Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler's From The Jam at Guildford University, together with a slot on the Isle of Wight National Scooter Rally, all of which helped encapsulate their growing reputation as an un-missable live group.

The Upper Fifth emerged, fresh faced and primed for action from their studio base towards the end of 2008, having applied the finishing touches to the awesome debut album entitled "Take the Fifth". Together with Nigel Clark, Dodgy's frontman at the production helm, 10 tracks have been laid down, all of which hold their own.

Late 2008 saw a repeat support performance by the band to From The Jam after winning a regional competition, and subsequently 2009 has seen a wealth of gigs to back-up "Take the Fifth", which is receiving rave reviews, most notably in Scootering, Mojophenia, Brighton Magazine and Shindig.

In addition airplay on BBC Radio 6, BBC Radio Liverpool and Richmond, Virginia in the US has seen the word spread, along with requests for the CD from Germany to Serbia and beyond.

Further gigs in 2009 in London, Mods Mayday in Birmingham and at Scooter Rallies across the UK have followed, and The Small Faces Convention in September where a "special" set including Ooh La La and The Poacher stole the show.

So prepare yourself hipsters and cool cats, The Upper Fifth will soon be coming to a venue near you soon, be it pub, club or stadia, so be sure to be there to experience the awesome sound that is.....The Upper 5th.

For gigs and bookings,
contact Manager Andy Scott on email: andy@collinsscott.com,
Mobile: 07770 520484.

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