Eb & Sparrow return to Whanganui with new, sharper sound

Eb & Sparrow play at Lucky on Friday, April 27. Photo/ Supplied

Eb & Sparrow return to Whanganui this week as part of a 13-date national tour in support of their new album Seeing Things.

The Wellington based band are formed around the vocals and songwriting of front person Ebony Lamb and are becoming renowned in New Zealand for their brand of alt-country.

In fact, Lamb says in this third album, which follows Country Music Award finalist Sun/Son , they have come across a sound that is truly their own.

"It's actually a pretty fresh record," she said. "I think country music is actually universal but we're the sound of New Zealand.

"You get to a point in your career where you actually have to do better otherwise you're going to do the same thing. It's definitely got more energy and it's got a sharper edge to the delivery.

"It's quite a vulnerable place to be but it seems to be going down really well."

Eb & Sparrow will be in Whanganui as a seven-piece including a horn section and video projections backing their set.

The band has toured extensively throughout New Zealand and Lamb feels they're just about ready to take their music abroad.

"We haven't gone overseas yet because we all have families. But that is the next frontier."

Joining Lamb in the line-up will be Bryn Heveldt (lapsteel, electric guitar), Jason Johnson, (electric guitar, bass, backing vocals), Chris Winter (trumpet, melaphone, electric guitar, bass, backing vocals) and newly instated drummer Justin Barr.

Supporting Eb & Sparrow in Whanganui is Fraser Ross and French For Rabbits.

* The Chronicle has a double pass to Eb & Sparrow up for grabs. To enter email editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz with Eb & Sparrow in the subject line and contact details. Entries close 10am Friday.