Spy: Is this NZ's next big band?

Albi and the Wolves. L-R Pascal Roggen, Chris Dent, Matt Owens and Micheal Young. Photo / Supplied

At a recent shindig at Radio Hauraki Bar, Spy discovered Albi and the Wolves, a band we think is New Zealand's version of British chart-toppers Mumford and Sons.

Dave Dobbyn sang with them and was mightily impressed.

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Headed by proud albino lead vocalist Chris Dent (Albi), the band includes banjo player Matt Owens, Michael Young on the double bass and fiddler Pascal Roggen.

The latter three also contribute to the vocals.

The boys play folk music, but not as you know it. Their on-stage banter and dancing on bars is a big part of their act, according to Owens.

This week they celebrated the release of the video for their new single Remember Your Name.

Owens and the band have been reaching out through many channels and hope to perform for Mumford and Sons by Skype, in a bid to land a support slot when the British band plays at Vector Arena in November.

Regardless of how their campaign goes, this is one hot Kiwi band to check out over summer.

Watch the video for Remember Your Name by Albi & The Wolves here.