COSMIC ROUGH RIDERS:
"Too Close to See Far"
Release date: June 1, 2004

Cosmic Rough Riders are: -
Mark Brown: Drums & Backing Vocals
James Clifford: Bass & Backing Vocals
Stephen Fleming: Lead Vocals & Electric Guitar

Cosmic Rough Riders are a Glasgow based band who were originally formed in 1998. They self-released the albums “Deliverance” (1999) and “Panorama” (2000), both having been recorded in a community funded recording studio located in Glasgow's notorious Castlemilk housing scheme. The albums received outstanding reviews in all areas of the popular music press, generating excitement from the independent music scene.

Cosmic Rough Riders duly signed a one album license deal with Poptones Records, the newly-formed label of ex-creation records boss Alan McGee, who released the band’s ‘third’ album “Enjoy The Melodic Sunshine” in November 2000, actually a compilation of songs from “Panorama” & “Deliverance”. It immediately caught the imagination of the press, citing one journalist to proclaim them “the best band on earth right now”.

Single releases in 2001 earned them increasing numbers of fans in the press and public alike, and ensured the band’s growth through word-of-mouth. Their efforts paid off when the single “Revolution (In The Summertime?)” was released and went straight into the UK charts, scoring them their first top 40 hit and debut appearance on Top Of The Pops. This was immediately followed into the charts by “The Pain Inside”, giving them back-to-back top 40 hit singles success.

Their non-stop touring took them all over the world, seeing them perform at several major festivals including T In The Park, Quart (Norway), Summersonic (Japan) plus Reading, Leeds. They were also to appear as guests of several other touring artists, including the Black Crowes, Ocean Colour Scene, Stereophonics, Paul Weller and were invited to appear as special guests of U2 when they announced their only Scottish shows.

By the end of 2001, the album ”Enjoy The Melodic Sunshine” had achieved silver status in the U.K. and it was named in several ‘end of year’ type polls, most notably as one of Q magazine’s 50 albums of the year.
In March 2002, founder member of Cosmic Rough Riders, Stephen Fleming added lead vocals to his duties when Daniel Wylie left on an amicable basis to pursue a solo career. The release in September 2002 of the ‘rarities & b-sides’ album “Pure Escapism” was seen by many as the closing of one chapter in the band’s story.

The remainder of the year was spent writing and recording a brand new album, although sessions were interspersed with several gigs including notable guest slots with Robert Plant and Lenny Kravitz (at Wembley Arena), as well as a special appearance at the legendary Glasgow Barrowlands venue as part of a show paying tribute to the Scottish singer / songwriter Frankie Miller where they were joined onstage by Joe Walsh (Eagles) who plays guitar on the track “When I’m Away From You” recorded by Cosmic Rough Riders and recently released on a Frankie Miller tribute album.

The first taste of the new Cosmic Rough Riders album, entitled “Too Close To See Far”, came when the single “Because You” was released in June 2003, it entered the UK singles chart at number 34 – becoming the bands 3rd successive top 40 hit single and their highest entry yet.

The self-written, self-produced, and self-released album (Measured Records) came out in July 2003 to further stirring critical acclaim, with one journalist declaring “the Cosmics have reinvented themselves and we'll all be happier for the experience - get your hands on this glorious album and feel your spirits roar!”. The album entered the UK’s official independent chart at number 7.

A second single from the album was released in September 2003, and “Justify The Rain” promptly entered the UK singles chart, giving the band four top 40 hits in a row.

Cosmic Rough Riders have been touring in support of the album, as only they know how! September / October saw them perform 50 shows in 44 days!. They also appeared at several summer festivals and events – R.E.M. watched their entire set from the side of the stage at July’s T In The Park Festival.

In November 2003, Cosmic Rough Riders were the recipients of the best newcomer award at the prestigious Tartan Clef Awards ceremony, an event that raised over £100,000 for the charity Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy In Scotland. The band, who also performed live in front of the sell out audience, were presented with their award by Scotland’s First Minister, Jack McConnell.