jstephens@thekmgroup.co.uk

Margate surf-rockers Two Wounded Birds have had a busy summer with major gigs including Glastonbury, and more locally, Lounge on the Farm.

Difficulties included over-friendly security, a band bug, two members going AWOL and a loss of all telecommunications, but the problems did not derail a barnstorming opening of proceedings on the Sheep Dip Stage at LOTF.

"The mud at Glastonbury claimed Johnny’s phone, and since him and Ally share the same one, we had no idea where they were," said guitarist Tom Akers, 19.

"We had to sort of escape from security. But we got there in the end," added bassist Ally, 24.

The late start meant an impressive crowd were there even before the Birds pitched up, milling around surprisingly cheerfully and seemingly undaunted by the rain, as sound engineers readied the stage.

"It was a shortened set, but we’re used to rattling through," explained singer Johnny, 26 (see pic). "I’m surprised how many turned out, as early afternoon slots can be a bit tough."

New material such as All We Wanna Do compliments older crowd favourites, ensuring a beach boogie atmosphere as the Birds channel the Ramones in an attempt to get through as much of their set as quickly as possible.

Drawing their cues from the likes of the Beach Boys, Link Wray, Ricky Nelson and the Surfaris, but filtering them through a 21st century east Kent sensibility, music critics have already praised what they describe as their ‘post-Drums’ sound – a reference to indie chart-toppers and former tourmates The Drums.

But while the American band have been criticised for being slightly style-over-substance and a lacking soul, that’s not a charge that can be levelled at Two Wounded Birds, who blast through a set of tunes that are at turns upbeat, moody, snarling or plaintive.

With a debut single already out on Moshi Moshi, some rave reviews from the national press, and a first Glastonbury appearance under their belts, Two Wounded Birds are understandably chirpy about the future.

"The next single is ready to go. I’m really proud of what that could be," said Johnny.

A second session has been recorded at Ranscombe Studios in Rochester and the next single will stick to the same double A side format that served so well on the debut and which mirrors the writing habits of band favourites The Beatles.

Sneak previews suggest the second single will at least live up to the promise afforded by Midnight Wave/All We Wanna Do, and with songwriter Johnny penning new material incessantly, there is lot for fans of the Margate band to get giddy about.

He said: "I’m just constantly writing. I think we have around 30 songs now and I’m keen to have people hear the new stuff we’ve been working on."

"Johnny writes all the songs but we put the shine on them," says Broadstairs drummer James Shand, 22.

A good natured squabble then breaks out as the band get their stuff together, ready to dash off to their next appointment at the 1234 festival in London.

But whoever can take what credit for the very impressive material coming out of their recent sessions, the sky is the limit for Two Wounded Birds.

For more info and free Summer Surf Jam downloads, go towww.twowoundedbirds.com