Richard Colburn took on drum duties until Lee joined the band in 2000. David left the band to work on his own, (forming California Snow Story) and was replaced by Kenny. Lindsay Boyd (of Andmoresound) joined on keyboards.

During 2000 they recorded their debut album, 'Biggest Bluest Hi Fi' in Cava studios. The single 'Eighties Fan’ was produced by Stuart Murdoch. These records were released in the UK in 2001 and received airplay from John Peel and The Evening Session on Radio 1. ‘Biggest Bluest Hi Fi’ was 'Album of the week' on XFM and in the Rough Trade shop. It went on to become Prime Distribution's best selling independent album. 'Biggest Bluest Hi Fi' was also released in Spain (Elefant Records), Japan (Quattro) and Australia (Gifted).

In 2001 they did their first session for John Peel on Radio 1. Lindsay left the band and was replaced by Carey and they rounded off the year playing live from Peel Acres for John Peel’s Christmas show. 'Eighties Fan' was Number 8 in Peel's Festive 50.

In 2002, the band played the Primavera Sound festival in Barcelona, Track & Field's 'Pow to the People' Easter festival in London and the Chickfactor 10th Anniversary 'Black and White Ball' in London's Bush halls. This was followed by their first Spanish Tour. Work began on the follow-up to 'Biggest Bluest Hi Fi' and Nigel, who had played session trumpet, joined the band full time.

In 2003 the album 'Underachievers Please Try Harder' (and single, 'Teenager') was released by Elefant Records. Following its release, the band embarked upon their first proper tour of the UK and Ireland. The tour ended with one final recorded Peel session. One more single, Keep It Clean, was released. It became one of two entries into the Peel Festive 50, along with the album track 'Suspended From Class'.

In 2004 they were invited to play live on Radio 1 from John Peel's house. For this, their third visit to Peel Acres, they were asked to put music to the words of Scotland's National Poet, Robert (Rabbie) Burns. The band came up with five songs, one of which was a version of 'Of A' The Airts the Wind Can Blaw', also known as 'I Love My Jean'.

Merge Records in America licensed 'Underachievers' and the band undertook their first tour of the States and Canada in July and August. A few weeks after their return to the UK, Camera Obscura played one more live show. It was a private concert- the 65th birthday party of their most enthusiastic supporter, John Peel. Sadly, the great man died that October. That concert also saw the last live appearance of John Henderson, and the band became a six-piece again. Writing commenced for album three.

In 2005, work on the next record continued. The band released 'I Love My Jean' as a tribute to John Peel, and it resulted in their first Independent Chart entry. They played the South Pop Festival in Seville then two shows in Stockholm and Uppsala, Sweden.

The new album "Let's Get Out Of This Country" was recorded in Sweden with producer Jari Haapalainen (The Concretes, Ed Harcourt). It will be released on Eleant Records (UK/Europe) and Merge Records (USA) in June 2006. It might just knock your socks off...

Tracyanne Campbell - guitar and vocals

Carey Lander - piano, organ and vocals

Kenny McKeeve - guitar, mandolin, harmonica and vocals

Gavin Dunbar - bass

Lee Thomson - drums

Nigel Baillie - trumpet and percussion