BBC Introduces a different animal

Reading Rocks Steady • Published 29 Oct 2009 12:00 0 Comments

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Last night (Wednesday) I met local band The Circus Sands at the Oakford Social Club for a catch-up interview in the wake of their recently released Dr Death EP.

Once the interview formalities were out of the way - see next week's Reading Chronicle for the full lowdown - the band and I relaxed into several pints of cider. Classy, I know.

It was the 'Bristol Takeover' BBC Introducing night but with promoter Jack Hepplewhite MIA the night foundered slightly.

The Circus Sands and I ventured inside to catch the only Bristol band (of the four billed) to actually make it there, and Farthing Wood won my heart as soon as I heard their name.

For fellow children of the late 80s who remember The Animals Of Farthing Wood, this band's music is even cuter than the TV show but a lot cooler (no, I didn't think it was possible either).

But whether Colin Dann is your favourite author or not, Farthing Wood should be of interest. 'MORE VIOLIN!!' is not a cry you typically expect to hear over the mic but, in all honesty, I wish the sound guys had paid more attention to it.

Three guitars, one drummer and one violinist make for an intriguing combination so it was with disappointment that I realised the lady violinist was barely audible.

Nonetheless, this is the sort of band you want your mum to meet.

Swaying their guitar necks and stamping their plimsoles they played soothing, humming and haaaahing music. Church Road is wordy and atmospheric with sugar-coated xylophone splashed over the top, while North View's nostalgic lyrics perfectly match its rolling melody and sharp drumming.

After the unexpected headline set played to 16 people, helpfully gorgeous frontman Lewis told me that originally each member had tried to loosely associate themselves with a particular character, but it appears to have all turned nasty after Fox left.

Anyway, a lovely band to come across. Listen at www.myspace.com/farthingwood

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