This five-piece north London-based indie rock outfit comprises Rik Flynn (b. London, England; vocals), Mario Athanasiou (b. Athens, Greece; guitar), Reuben Humphries (b. Corby, Northamptonshire, England; drums), Clare Szembek (b. Devon, England; vocals/keyboards) and Alex Yeoman (b. Swindon, Wiltshire, England; bass). Captain was formed in Cambridge, England in 2004 when the two founding members Flynn and Athanasiou met at a party. They were later joined by Szembek, ex-circus musician Yeoman and Humphries. Flynn had previously performed with Humphries in two bands, Kid Blue and the Junket.
Captain began to cause a stir within the London music scene very soon after formation, resulting in an offer of a recording contract in December 2004. However, after initial success and ultimate disappointment within Junket, Flynn felt that Captain were not ready for such exposure at the time. This decision proved to be a short-term measure when in 2005 Captain performed at a record industry conference, the result of which was a furious campaign by various labels to sign the band up. After joining EMI Records in the same year Captain began to build on an already significant fanbase that included DJ Steve Lamacq who championed the band on English national radio.
Work soon begun on their debut album with acclaimed producer Trevor Horn. This Is Hazelville was released in August 2006, and although the record received an initially quiet response from the music press it was met with excellent reviews over time. In parts a very delicate work, while in others a far heavier affair, it proved to be a carefully crafted and consistently high quality debut album. Comparisons were made to the more melodic side of the Smashing Pumpkins, while the overall sound and the band's widespread appeal led to them being grouped along with one-time tour mates Keane. Stand-out tracks included "Hazelville" and the single "Glorious"
