Ringlefinch

A stomping good-time alternative folk band with touches of flamenco, gypsy jazz and epic harmony, Ringlefinch released their debut EP 'Mass Trespass' in 2014, producted by BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner Ben Walker. They are currently writing and gigging material, and building a recording studio(!), in preparation for recording their debut album. Ringlefinch formed in December 2012 at the exact moment the Mayans had predicted the world would end. A London sextet, they’re not what you'd expect from a band named after a kind of Norwegian troll, or from a band whose first live show was in the room where Churchill celebrated the end of the Second World War. But what should you expect if you mix a banjo and ukulele-juggling singer-songwriter, a flamenco percussionist, a trad folk guitarist, classical string players, and a bassist and a mandolinist united in their love of alternative rock? Dark-humoured, wittily introspective lyrics set to upbeat, quirky earworm tunes. The toe-tapping rhythms of swing and jazz manouche - but with a thoroughly folk sensibility. An exciting, rabble-rousing live show, peppered with moments of subtle beauty. Ringlefinch ambled onto the London folk scene in summer 2013 like Godzilla in a party mood, and within 6 months were headlining the Folk Stage for Chiswick Oxjam - helping them to raise more money for Oxfam than any of the other Oxjam events across the UK. Gigging extensively in the second half of 2013 (including headline sets at record label residencies, legendary punk venues, and a particularly memorable secret show at a hat-swapping party in Deptford...), they've developed an energetic 26-string sound that has been described variously as "joyful, joyful rambunctious glory!" and "a lovely heartwarming clusterpluck". This is one musical casserole that's far greater – far more tasty and compelling – than the sum of its ingredients. A timeless casserole of folk, indie and swing, Ringlefinch is a hearty and nourishing London-based dish that can be enjoyed at any time of year. Serves 6.