The Proper Ornaments

The Proper Ornaments are a London-based indie rock duo formed by James Hoare (of Ultimate Painting and formerly Veronica Falls) and Max Claps (of Italian band Toy). Known for their hazy, melodic blend of 1960s psych-pop and lo-fi jangle, the pair started collaborating in 2013, bonding over shared loves of The Velvet Underground, The Byrds, and DIY recording aesthetics. Their sound balances warm harmonies with a gently melancholic edge, often layered with reverb-drenched guitars and minimalist rhythms.

With releases like *Wooden Head* (2014), *Foxhole* (2017), and *6 Lenins* (2022), they’ve carved a niche in the modern psych-pop scene, working with labels like Slumberland and Tough Love Records. Their tracks, including the dreamy "Mission Bells" and bittersweet "Purple Heart," showcase their knack for crafting nostalgic yet fresh-sounding tunes. The band’s collaborative spirit extends to their live shows, where they’ve occasionally expanded their lineup for a fuller, fuzzed-out experience.