The roots of this UK post-hardcore band can be traced back to Matthew Davies-Kreye (b. 14 October 1979, Wales; vocals/guitar) joining the Welsh based group January Thirst in December 2001. Having built up a strong local following, the band re-named themselves Funeral For A Friend, after the song of the same name by American group Planes Mistaken For Stars. Following a great deal of re-shuffling of the band members, the group finally settled on a line-up comprising Kris Coombs-Roberts (b. 18 May 1981, Wales; guitar), Darran Smith (b. 18 September 1975, Wales; guitar), Ryan Richards (b. 16 January 1980, Wales; drums/vocals) and Gareth Davies (b. 17 September 1980, Wales; bass/vocals), who incidentally is not related to front man Matthew. The band signed to Swansea-based independent label, Mighty Atom Records, and in August 2002, just several months after their formation, released their debut EP, Between Order And Model. A second EP Four Ways To Scream Your Name followed in April 2003, and as with their first release it featured tracks that would later be re-worked and included on their debut LP. Their first two singles were released amid a storm of media hype, primarily from rock magazine Kerrang!, and achieved encouraging chart and airplay success in the UK. The debut album, Casually Dressed And Deep In Conversation, was then released in October 2003, reaching an impressive number 12 on the UK album chart. Comparisons were quickly drawn to fellow Welsh post-hardcore group Lostprophets, as well as American emo group My Chemical Romance and the hugely successful Linkin Park. This well-produced record was warmly received by both rock fans and critics and a US EP, Seven Ways To Scream Your Name, followed on Ferret Records.
In the wake of their commercial success, the band signed to Atlantic Records, and in June 2005 they released their second studio album, Hours. The record demonstrated a more mature sound, with a noticeable absence of drummer Richards' screamed backing vocals, and a significant shift towards more melodic songs and darker, more heartfelt lyrics. Success both commercially and critically continued, in addition to moderate chart success with the American release, albeit not on the same scale as their Welsh contemporaries Lostprophets. Having established themselves as one of the leading rock acts in the UK, playing to crowds in increasingly large venues and topping the bill at several festivals, the band released Tales Don't Tell Themselves. This marked their biggest success to date, crashing in to the Top 5 in the UK, and also performing well on the Billboard 200. Continuing on from the more accessible sound of Hours, their third studio LP marked a notable movement towards a more commercial sound, with some catchy songs and slick production. The response was mixed, with many hailing the band as having reached a new peak, but also with many feeling disappointed at the departure from the band's original, heavier sound. Lead singer Matthew Davies-Kreye also has a side project with alternative country rock outfit Secret Show.
