The Lilacs
It’s a new year so time to start listening to new music, Getintothis’ Amos Wynn has the low down on three up and coming acts.
The Lilacs are a brand new four piece from Wigan comprised of vocalist Ollie Anglesea, lead guitarist Sam Birchall, drummer Dave Gomersall and bassist Matty Johnson.
This week the band released their debut single, Vicarage Road, with Birchall saying it is about “new relationships forming as well as old ones ending.”
The decision to form a band comes from all four members playing their instruments individually for many years as well as a ‘passion’ for the industry.
“We felt the time was right to start writing our own songs as a band and are excited by the venues and events bands can play.”
The name of the band was chosen after sadness hit the four piece, when Birchall’s mother sadly passed away from cancer last February.
“Having been treated at The Lilac Centre and lilac being a colour that represents fighting cancer, my dad Anthony suggested we use it as our name. Although based on a time of sadness, we feel it is nice to have a major personal link.”
With one single released, the aim is now to look towards the next step and to grow “more and more and have a wider audience across the UK. We hope to play in different cities across the country and hopefully summer festivals.”
One of their next shows will be at Manchester Academy, as apart of Emerging Indie Festival 2019 as the band look to conquer 2019.
Heading down south, Kent three-piece The Gallerys enjoyed an eventful 18 months.
The three-piece, comprised of James Wood (guitar), Craig Barden (bass) and Dan Maggs (drums) had highlights such as supporting Britpop legends, The Bluetones, as well as getting the opportunity to record an EP at Abbey Road.
“We are huge fans of those bands, so it was brilliant for us. We ‘accidentally’ stumbled into studio 2, where The Beatles recorded all their albums, whilst looking for the toilet. What an experience,” says the three-piece.
The band hail from Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells and admit “when anyone creates original music, their environment will influence it somewhere along the line. There’s a lot of variety and a lot of inspiration to take from.”
As well as supporting the Bluetones at venues up and down the country, the band have also enjoyed some gigs in their hometown.
After having the opportunity to support acts such as Louis Berry and The Sherlocks at the Tunbridge Well Forum, they have since played their own headline show there.
They believe it is important as a new band to have the support from community as it helps to “build momentum and belief that what you’re doing is important and people are enjoying your music.”
The band released their latest EP, Lucid Trail, over Christmas and is available now to enjoy the three-pieces retro 60s sounding brand of music.
Elsewhere, another three piece, Patawawa, also had a lot to celebrate in 2018, as the Derbyshire band went on their first ever headline tour.
Sam Wilmot, Rory Lovatt and Beth Garrett travelled across the country to play eight dates in the autumn, with Wilmot saying, “it was exciting because you don’t know what turnout you’ll get.”
The band also released a number of new tracks for fans to enjoy, with good response and positive reviews.
“It’s nice after working on a track for so long you can put it out and just hope people are listening and might hear it and enjoy it.”
Influences for the band mainly comes from disco and funk, with old school 70s bands, as well as modern disco, being the main influence, which makes them sound like they’re a million miles away from Matlock.
“From what I read about us no one believes we are from the hills of Derbyshire, they believe it sounds American or that sort of scene. Derbyshire probably doesn’t influence us but it’s a lovely place to live.”
To end 2018 the band played a sold-out gig in their hometown, Matlock, and will be hoping 2019 will provide more of the same.
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