ARE Wille and the Bandits taking rock into uncharted realms?

Fine out by coming to a gig at The Iron Road in Evesham, this autumn, for a show that is promising Blues Rock virtuosity with lots of sustain and, presumably, wah-wah too.

A spokesman said: "They go further than is expected of a band operating in the rock arena, they are carrying the genre into unknown territory, mixing award winning musicianship with the ability to produce intoxicating songs without compromise.

"Each Bandit can be seen at points playing instruments simultaneously, some of which, such as the tongue drum, mohan venna and djembe, are rarely seen in western music and almost never in the Blues Rock scene."

The spokesman added: "The lyrics of many of Wille Edwards’ songs delve deep. Some lead us through a journey of self realisation, others paint a picture that unashamedly draws on global issues such as climate change and immigration for inspiration, but in a package which doesn’t sound pretentious, forced or preachy.

"Like many great bands they deliver their message by the power of song, and when revealing the heavier angry side of their music they can rock out with the best as tours with Deep Purple have proven. And yet, the softer side of Wille and the Bandits has almost poetic qualities which draws comparisons with Bob Dylan and Ben Harper."

They are a band of mixed influences then?

The spokesman said: "The bands’ strength as musicians and their ability to pull in lovers of all types of music has seen them play Rock, Folk, Blues and Jazz festivals globally to critical acclaim. There are not many people who watch this band, regardless of music taste, and don’t leave with their jaw firmly planted on the ground.

Fans of bands from Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd to Pearl Jam and John Butler Trio should check this out. If you want to listen to a band that are taking Rock music into the next chapter than look no further than Wille and the Bandits.

The date for the diary is the October 25, at The Iron Road in Evesham.

Further details at http://theironroad.sqwiz.co.uk/