Burning Shapes

Though all four members of Burning Shapes grew up throughout the South East, and even Canada, the band base themselves in Tunbridge Wells where guitarist/singer Toby Guy and bassist Dave Tonkinsmith met at school and started writing music together. The friends began playing out at parties, being given acoustic guitars and performing in kitchens, bedrooms and gardens, but it wasn't until Tobys' cousin Andy White joined them on drums that the band began to take shape.

During a series of London gigs under the name Sound Sanctuary they caught the attention of production duo Bombay Monkey who invited the band to record at their new studio in the Ashdown forest. Sound Sanctuarys' first EP Contact, was issued on the Lo-Tek label in July 2005, and thanks to glowing reviews, XFM airplay and national distribution by Pinnacle, the group began to build a loyal following whilst playing out at some of Londons' best acoustic venues. Their full length debut Dust, followed two years later, and with local music agent Coffee Artists now onside, Sound Sanctuary found themselves embarking on their first national tour to promote the release. In 2008 regional gigs and radio appearances across the UK led to live sets on SkyTV and an invite to perform at BBC Radio 1s Big Weekend Fringe Festival. It was at this time that a significant change in the groups line up took place. As lead guitarist Millzy exited to pursue other projects, Andy took up MPC duties and Steve Martin was recruited to step in behind the kit. On returning from tour the new line up headed back into the studio, this time with producer Joe Hirst (Bloc Party, Ian Brown, Razorlight). They emerged, early 2009, a band who had regained its virginity. A new vigour, a new artistic stride and a new name.

Burning Shapes are currently working on their debut LP. A free download is now available from their website burningshapes.com to give fans a taste of what's to come. A series of single releases accompanied by UK tours are expected from autumn 2010.