The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Wednesday 10th February 2010

Son of Kirk are an Alt-acoustic band based in South East England. Initially a solo project and outlet for Mick’s songs and guitar finger-picking, the band evolved over 18 months to its current line up in Autumn 2009.

Informed by styles such as psychedelic, post and progressive rock, minimalism and 1960’s revivalist folk and blues, SoK create their own unique take on modern acoustic driven music. To give their sound a name, prog-folk or post psych-blues would both be accurate.

SoK combine interweaving guitar and violin lines. Melodic vocal and lyrical interplay; intense instrumental interludes, moments of fragile naïve beauty and uplifting songs of hope and redemption.

Their sound is a blend of contemporary and traditional, openly embracing both authentic and populist ideals. The first E.P. 'Blackgrass' was released in May 2009 and features a stripped down incarnation of the band, including solo performances.

After 6 months of regularly gigging the South East and London, the band have just completed a new album which is due for release in June 2010. Recorded over 2 sessions in Kent and London the album features more of the diverse and dynamic qualities of SoK.

Mick Crowther (guitars, vocals, songs)

Mischa Bray (guitars, violin)

Kristina Warren (vocals, percussion)

James Cox (drums/percussion)

With influences such as modern day artists; Ben Folds, Anthony & The Johnsons, Burt Bacharach and composers such as Barber and Rachmaninov, Kent based singer-songwriter Paul Dunton offers something unique! Paul’s music is best described as a captivating fusion of popular contemporary and classical. He composes and performs both instrumental pieces and songs. He is due to provide the soundtrack for an upcoming international film release. For smaller intimate shows Paul (piano/vocals) performs with along side his quartet know as the ‘Crew’. The atmospheric and ethereal live sound features Cello, violins and Flute. Paul is due to release his third album at the beautiful King Charles Martyr Church near The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells on Friday June 11th. That concert will see both Paul giving away a free signed copy of his new album entitled ‘Escapism; to all who come and paul will be performing alongside his ‘full’ crew known as The Paul Dunton Orchestra which comprises a line up of 10 violins, 5 cellos, Flute, Guitar, Percussion and vocalist Fiona Keeler.

Formerly based in Crowborough but now Brighton, East Sussex, Reo Rae's interest in music grew from the experience of playing various instruments including violin, piano and clarinet. At 14 years old she decided that she wanted to learn to play the guitar. With the help and encouragement of Simon (her older brother) they formed an acoustic duo called "Reo". This was the first musical project for both and Rae's debut as a lead singer. They are receiving considerable plays on youtube and myspace and perform at various different events across the county. However, with the departure to university of backing singer and guitarist Simon, Rae was left to continue the work alone. This sparked the idea of becoming a solo act and her songwriting skills began to take shape. Five years on she is now living and performing in and around Kent & Sussex as a solo artist and occasionally performs with her backing band - Rick Eastwood (drums) & James Watts (bass guitar).

Having played gigs since the age of 11, Mike Wilton is a multi-instrumentalist/singer-songwriter from Brighton via Crowborough, East Sussex. Mike's 'Standard Lamp' project has been action since November 2008 with 2 EP's recorded totally by himself. His project idea is to record whatever songs he has got, produce them up to an 'acceptable' standard, load them up to his myspace page and perform them live with a handpicked band under the name of 'The Standard Lamps'. Tonight he shall be performing with familar percussionist, Bart Brummer and bassist, James Livett.

Expect melodic indie, roaring blues, loop pedals and a bit of harmonica thrown in for good measure.