Laura J. Martin hails from the suburbs of Liverpool and mines the darker, esoteric underbelly of folk. With untold layers of intrigue, she flits effortlessly between flute, mandolin and piano, as well as looped vocals and instruments to beguiling effect. There's an otherworldliness to the off-kilter, psychedelic feel of her music, which has made her an ideal choice to support the likes of Scout Niblett, Buck 65, Little Dragon, Gruff Rhys, Euros Childs, Diane Cluck and Jonny (Euros from Gorky's and Norman from Teenage Fanclub), some of whom she appeared as both guest and support.

Her debut album, 'The Hangman Tree' (Static Caravan), arrived in January 2012 to widespread acclaim, radio sessions and higher profile gigs. The Mike Lindsay (Tunng) assisted EP 'Bónus Skór' followed in September 2012 and showcased a deeper, more atmospheric sound influenced by the surroundings of the Icelandic recording sessions.

On returning from Iceland work began in earnest on Laura's second album. Channelling the sonic adventure and dramatic arrangements of Jean Claude Vannier and Francois de Roubaix, Laura proceeded to record and produce 13 songs. Thematically expanding on the experience of producing a commissioned soundtrack for the BFI, 'Dazzle Days' features now regular collaborators Mike Lindsay (Tunng) on vocals and Benge (John Foxx, Serafina Steer) who mixed and added synth, Eno-esqe beds and Oldfield reverbs at his studio Play Industries. Tighter pop tunes but convoluted structures. Wonky progressive flute but Laurel Canyon sweetness, it's all present and correct.

...with support from

The Drink
The Drink are Dearbhla Minogue (singing, guitar), David Stewart (bass) and Daniel Fordham (drums). They play odd guitar pop which combines the controlled chaos of Deerhoof with the fractured melodies of The Breeders, shot through with the joyful pulse of Talking Heads.
Outside The Drink, Dearbhla is also one-third of psych-girl-garage-group The Wharves, one-third of post-hardcore-blues-army Shield Your Eyes, and has featured on Dublin's Any Other City and Popical Island labels. David and Daniel were the rhythm section of much-loved London pop-post-rockers Fighting Kites.
"Utter quality. Each track is a bundle of joy and interesting musicianship that sits somewhere in between Life Without Buildings and Throwing Muses." - Rough Trade Shops

http://thedrinkk.bandcamp.com/

The Horses of Instruction
.Like the feeling you get from thinking about infinity for too long, or worrying about asteroids striking the earth as you stand there washing dishes.

http://thehorsesofinstruction.bandcamp.com/

at The Ivy House, Peckham, Thu 5th June from 8pm

Advance tickets from http://www.wegottickets.com/event/270270