A BAND has dropped the word ‘British’ from their name in an effort to separate themselves from “isolationist, antagonistic nationalism”.

Sea Power, formerly British Sea Power, formed in Reading before relocating to Brighton shortly after in search of a more active music scene.

The alternative rock group amassed a strong local following, due largely to their own club night called "Club Sea Power" which was hosted at the Freebutt and Lift clubs.

In a statement, the band said the name change was made "after much reflection and soul-searching".

Sea Power said after travelling the world, "the name British Sea Power had come to feel constricting, like an ancient legacy we were carrying with us".

The Argus: Sea Power, formerly British Sea Power, formed in Reading in 200, before relocating to Brighton Sea Power, formerly British Sea Power, formed in Reading in 200, before relocating to Brighton

In the statement, the band said: “When we came up with the name British Sea Power there were at least two different lines of thought behind it. There was, literally, sea power - the elementary power of the oceans.

"Alongside this was the historical idea of 'British sea power' - Britannia ruling the waves; the naval power that once allowed Britain to dominate the world. When we came up with the original band name, Britain no longer ruled the seas.”

The statement said the band name was originally intended with a kind of wry humour.

“The idea of British sea power in the historical sense was an obsolete thing. It was now just the name of a rock band,” they added.

Sea Power says that there has been a rise of a "certain kind of nationalism in this world", describing it as "isolationist, antagonistic nationalism that we don't want to run any risk of being confused with".

"It's become apparent that it's possible to misapprehend the name British Sea Power, particularly if someone isn't familiar with the band or their recordings," the group added.

"We always wanted to be an internationalist band but maybe having a specific nation state in our name wasn't the cleverest way to demonstrate that."

The group are known for songs including Waving Flags, Remember Me and Red Rock Riviera.

The band had an original line-up of Scott Wilkinson, Neil Hamilton Wilkinson, Martin Noble and Matthew Wood.

The group says that they still "love" the UK, and that the name change does not indicate an aversion to the British Isles.

The newly named Sea Power are preparing to reveal their first album under the new name, set for release early next year.