The Southmartins

the Southmartins only formed in late 2009 but are already storming their native Teesside and surrounding area with fresh, relatively young (their average age is in the 20s) and energetic performances of the classic British, bittersweet songbook of both The Housemartins and The Beautiful South. With three excellently matched voices singing great melodies and harmonies they've proved hard to resist. the overwhelming feeling from audiences has been that they never knew that they knew and loved so many of these songs and that the quality and breadth was so high and wide. The Southmartins are, currently, a seven-piece outfit that can fill any size space with their witty banter, unquestionable repertoire and good times. Andy's vocal likeness to Paul Heaton, live, is incredible and the band bash out lively versions of the originals. This isn't note for note mimickry but playful like the original bands so if you want a carbon copy you'd be best off buying the CD and staying at home. This is a tribute band that brings songs to life and breathes fresh life and poignancy into the underrated classics. They are currently performing around the north of England but more than prepared to travel to spread the soul of Paul Heaton and co's misanthropic lyrical, melodic and musical genius.