The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Wednesday 12th October 2011

The Varlies are a homegrown Tunbridge Wells rock band. Formed back in the
early 90s by guitarist, Kev Amos and singer, John Whitehorn, they have
been delighting audiences and listeners alike ever since with their own
blend of music and infectious live performances. The Trinity show is set
to offer a chance to catch the full band in one of their now rare
performances together where they will be performing songs from their last
four albums. With Paul May on drums and Steve Mealing on bass completing
this fantastic line up, this really be one not to be missed. Paul Dunton
Says... "The Varlies are quite simply one of the best bands I have ever
seen live. Their sublime musicianship and infectious melodies underpin
their undoubted ability to create fantastic music. This is band that takes
you on a rollercoaster of emotions! Expect everything from high energy
foot stomping rockin' tunes, funky grooves and hire wire guitar riff's to
beautifully crafted acoustic ballads. John Whitehorne is an exceptional
vocalist, with an incredible range and tone that reminds me of Neil Finn, with shades of Bon Iver's falsetto at times. The band's
live sound is hard to pigeon hole as they have their own swagger and
style, however if you said names such as The Dave Matthew's Band or a
rockier version of Crowded House that would give you an idea!"

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Fans say that Joanne Louise Parker has a voice which “makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck”. A regular on the open mic scene, she can silence a room during performances of her a cappella songs. The past year has been spent recording her debut album “Moontide” along with Brighton based producer Max Gilkes which contains orchestrated evolutions of Joanne’s original songs. Joanne has travelled extensively and performed her songs to audiences great and small from the West Coast of the US to as far east as Russia and recent support slot credits include Eliza Carthy, Gretchen Peters, Brian Kennedy and Jane Siberry.

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Based in Tunbridge Wells Monica and the Explosion is a two-piece band consisting of Monica Welander, a Swedish punk rock singer songwriter, and bassist Paul Slack (original member of the UK Subs and the Flying Padovanis). Monica and Paul started touring together in July 2010 after they released her second album ”Shut Up!” (joined by drummer Rob Baylis). Since the album release they have been touring constantly around Europe, Ireland, Sweden and Australia as well as gigging extensively around the UK. Having toured around the world as a solo artist for a couple of years, Monica finds the two-piece line-up retains the original concept of the songs whilst adding a new layer of complexity to the over all sound best discribed as ”jukebox punk”. The latest album "Shut Up!" received a great review in SO Tunbridge Wells September issue last year, and the duo has just completed the recordings of a new album that will be out this year (2012).

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Pimlico Road consists of Keif Anderson, Liz Poynter. They perform self-penned songs with close harmonies and a strong Americana influence. They have recently been joined by their eldest daughter Holly, who fits rehearsals and performing around her GCSEs.

The band members have a long history of playing and performing. Keif’s first musical venture was in his early twenties as a guitarist in a rock group called The Evidence. This eventually lead to a new line up, which included Liz. The emphasis here was on vocal harmonies and – being the 80s – involved keyboards as well as guitars. This new band (called Double Zero) played many of the main venues on the London pub circuit including the Half Moon, Putney; the Half Moon, Herne Hill; The Woolwich Tramshed and the Rock Garden. The early emphasis on strong vocal harmonies has continued into Keif’s new work and has been strengthened by Liz’s input to the songs and lyrics and Holly’s strong vocals.

Pimlico Road’s influences are many and varied. They range from the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin to David Bowie, the Police, the Eagles, Seth Lakeman, Cara Dillon, Joni Mitchel and Jackson Browne. Then, of course, there are numerous Motown and Reggae artists (particularly from the 60s and 70s) and the likes of Simon & Garfunkel, The Mamas And The Papas, and the Beach Boys. Where to stop? Here probably!

The band say: "We are having fun right now recording an EP with a number of friends and guest musicians. This will introduce double bass, percussion and a hint of banjo to some of our songs. Yee Ha!"

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