Hailing from The South coast of England, Britonica are surely one of the most well loved live acts you will see around these parts.

If you mixed the Beach Boys and Ben Folds Five with the spirit of early Queen you might be close to describing their sound.

However it's best to judge for yourself at one of their shows.

The band have spent the last eight years winning fans around the south with a combination of summery melodies, humour and great live performances, as well as an ever-present pineapple.

During their time together the band have made two albums and are currently working on a third.

Pianist and vocalist Rob Henderson has been ably assisted by guitarist and singer Dave Soothill since 1999, with Pete Lawrence providing bass and Ryan O'Sullivan on the drums.

The group have developed into an entertaining and musically diverse live outfit with an ever growing catalogue of songs to draw on.

From early favourites like 'Funny How' to new tracks such as 'Roller Disco', devotees are always singing and dancing along.

Originally known as Tonic, the band changed their name midway through their career, forced into the move due to an unfriendly legal intervention.

This only made the band stronger, as they went on to tour France, win a London battle-of-the-bands contest and play numerous festival sets.

Make sure you see the band at a live performance in 2008!

 

By Steven Galloway