Nine Black Alps were an English alternative rock band, formed in 2003 in Manchester. From 2011 until their split, the band consisted of vocalist-guitarist Sam Forrest, guitarist David Jones, drummer James Galley and bassist Karl Astbury. Prior to becoming Nine Black Alps the band was originally called The Chelsea Girls, with Ilana Xup on bass duties. Once Xup moved to London in 2003, Martin joined the band as the bass player and the band then became Nine Black Alps. Xup's bassline features on 'Ilana Song', from the Shot Down EP, released in 2005.
Taking their name from "The Couriers" poem by Sylvia Plath, the band came to prominence with the release of their debut album, Everything Is in 2005. Following the release of the band's second album, Love/Hate, the band parted ways with Island Records, and self-released their third studio album, Locked Out from the Inside in 2009.
In 2011, founding bassist/guitarist Martin Cohen departed the band to pursue a solo career under the name Milk Maid. Cohen was subsequently replaced by Astbury, with the band releasing their fourth album, Sirens in October 2012.