Caretaker are well known for their influence[1] and longevity in the UK underground music scene, and their infrequent and informal approach towards releasing records and touring.
The band have stuck to the DIY ethic despite airplay from BBC Radio 1[2] and Xfm, and critical acclaim from NME,[3] Kerrang!,[4] Rock Sound[5] and Terroriser.
Formed at Alton College in 1998, Caretaker quickly became a regular fixture in the Hampshire/Surrey music scene and by the end of 1999 had recording their first EP, (Pause), named after the stage direction so frequently found in the Harold Pinter play The Caretaker, from which the band had taken their name.
Much to the band's surprise, tracks from (Pause) received several plays on BBC Radio 1 by Mary Anne Hobbs, Steve Lamacq and John Peel despite having been recorded in guitarist Harry Goodchild's living room on a budget of £80.
Despite being poorly received by NME,[7] Caretaker's contribution to the compilation was subject to a positive review in Kerrang!
The self-titled mini-album Caretaker was recorded in 2001 at Southern Studios and received positive reviews from NME,[3] Kerrang!
Shortly afterward, drummer Chris Grigg left the band to pursue further education, leaving Caretaker on hiatus and the EP unreleased.
After several months of uncertainty, Reuben front-man Jamie Lenman volunteered to drum for the band and The Sign of Four finally saw release through Function Records in 2005.
After a six-month hiatus, remaining members of the band Harry Goodchild and Seb Carey started looking for a new drummer.
They quickly settled on Sam Mitchell (Carey's cousin), and by September 2008 had started playing gigs again as a three piece.
Providence was made available to fans for a limited time through the band's website throughout December 2011,[14] and was released on 12 March 2012 through We Be Records.
[15] The promotional track "Hellion" taken from the album was played by Daniel P. Carter on the BBC Radio 1 Rock Show on 16 January 2012.