LUNA TIDES

Established in early 2016, Luna Tides is the creation of lead vocalist and acoustic guitarist Thomas James, and drummer and backing vocalist Sion Walsh. With the flip of a coin, the band’s name was decided whilst demoing their first EP, Open Woods, taking influence from the bewitching Welsh coastline. Later in the year, the trio was completed by electric guitarist and bassist, Rhys Plaister.

Thomas, Sion and Rhys grew up near Cardiff, South Wales, where their parents’ eclectic collections of folk and rock records helped forge their love for music. As a result of this, influences for the band range from Paul Simon, to Pink Floyd and Fleetwood Mac. Thomas’ love for surfing and the ocean also shaped the band's direction, creating an acoustic, folk-rock surf vibe, echoing the tones of Mumford & Sons and Newton Faulkner. Combining this sound with foot stomping songs has generated a spirited response to the band's music.

Celebrating the release of the Open Woods EP in November 2016, the band held a sold out release show at the renown Clwb Ifor Bach in their home city, Cardiff. Encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response from national media, the band set out on their first UK tour in January 2017, supporting the likes of Toploader & Into The Ark as well as playing multiple festivals across the country.

Interviewed by Jamie Owen on BBC Radio Wales after their UK tour, and described as ‘one of the brightest artists to come out of Wales in recent years’ by Glastonbury festival’s Joe Lepper, the Luna Tides story is one to follow.

- Natalie Webb 2017