Sweet, smoky Sparrow sounds at Lucky Bar

Chris Winter (left), Justin Barr, Ebony Lamb, Jason Johnson and Bryn Heveldt are EB & Sparrow.

One reviewer described their first album as "a honeyed, smoky, foot tappin' treat for the ears".

Ebony Lamb, front woman and guitarist for Paekakariki-based band EB & Sparrow, has been compared with American artists Gillian Welch and Cat Power.

Although she shares a similar enclave, Lamb says the songs she writes are very much about New Zealand and the experience of living here.

"The sort of alt-country genre that we are part of is really quite big in New Zealand and I don't think a lot people realise that."

Last year EB & Sparrow were NZ country music finalists for Best Album and Best Song.

It is no surprise to hear Lamb say that she counts artists like Marlon Williams, Tami Neilson, Delaney Davidson and Christchurch band The Eastern as friends.

The other members of EB & Sparrow are drummer Justin Barr (previously of Golden Awesome), Chris Winter on bass, Jason Johnson on electric guitar and Bryn Heveldt on lapsteel.

Lamb says the band like to switch instruments as well and may move around during a set.

"It is often a case of who likes to play what on certain songs."

The band are nearing the end of a tour to promote their new single To The West and they are fresh from a sell-out performance at the Hawke's Bay Arts Festival last Sunday.

"The single will be on our fourth album but that is still a way off and we wanted to get out and tour.

"We love playing in Whanganui. It is an important audience for us and we have always had very warm responses from audiences at the Musicians Club.

"This will be our first time playing at Lucky Bar and we have heard great things about the atmosphere and the food."

Lamb is also looking forward to playing with Whanganui artist Ellen Waugh, aka Castlecliff Lights, who will play support at Lucky Bar.

EB & Sparrow with Castlecliff Lights: Lucky Bar + Kitchen, 53 Wilson St, Friday, October 13, 8pm to 11.30pm.