Faint Paint

Faint Paint are a Sheffield four-piece making melodic, emotionally rich guitar music with a cinematic streak. Their songs drift between the classic and the strange — blending dreamy textures, tight vocal harmonies and a sharp ear for melody.

Formed by long-time friends, Faint Paint began as a loose creative project between singer Cal Innes and guitarist Mark Riddington, rooted in late-night ideas and shared records. Joined by Anthony Barlow (formerly of Sheffield indie outfit High Hazels), they started shaping those songs into something new: softer around the edges, but emotionally direct.

The sound took clearer shape with the addition of Zac Barfoot (Mr Ben & The Bens, Sun Drift) on bass, and the band began writing as a close-knit unit. Influences range from Roy Orbison’s haunted balladry to the twang of Duane Eddy, the tender oddness of Jonathan Richman and the dreamlike tension of David Lynch. It’s melancholic music that doesn’t wallow — it moves with an understated gallows humour.

Faint Paint write songs that stay with you — patient, thoughtful, and quietly bold.