The High Llamas, an Anglo-Irish chamber pop band, were formed in London circa 1991 by singer-songwriter Sean O'Hagan. Following the breakup of his previous group Microdisney, O'Hagan released a solo album titled High Llamas in 1990 and subsequently formed The High Llamas with Marcus Holdaway, Jon Fell, and Rob Allum. Their debut release was an EP titled Apricots, which was later reissued as the LP Santa Barbara in 1992. After joining Stereolab as a keyboardist, O'Hagan revamped The High Llamas' style to incorporate electronic and orchestral elements. Their second album, Gideon Gaye (1994), reached Number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and was well-received by British music journalists. The follow-up album, Hawaii (1996), nearly led to a collaboration with the Beach Boys. The High Llamas continued to release albums, including Cold And Bouncy (1998), Snowbug (1999), and Buzzle Bee (2000). Notable later releases include Beet Maize & Corn (2003) and Here Come the Rattling Trees (2016). The band's music is often compared to that of the Beach Boys, with influences drawn from bossa nova and European film soundtracks. Hey Panda, The High Llamas' eleventh album, arrived in March 2024.
