Cranes are a compelling enigmatic band formed in Portsmouth around unique vocalist/lyricist Alison Shaw and her multi-instrumentalist brother Jim Shaw.

Originally based in Portsmouth on the south coast of England, Cranes early work has a peculiar intensity which seemed all the more unusual at the time. They released several albums on the label Dedicated, two of which ('Wings Of Joy' and 'Forever') have since been re-issued on Cherry Red due to popular demand.  After a short sabbatical, the band re-emerged in 2001 on thier own label Dadaphonic with 2 more albums containing a more electronic sound whilst still retaining the acute characteristics of their previous works.

Cranes have toured the world extensively and are remarkable for producing music in the new milennium which is as vibrant and inventive as anything they have ever done.