The Brighton-based five-piece (three of them from Worthing) possess a wide range of influences, from psychedelic '60s to samba and drum 'n' bass, all now tangled in their music.

With such differing musical tastes, they may not have considered themselves natural band mates, however, the line up was effectively decided for them.

Frontman Ashley Edwards and keyboardist Chip are old school friends and have a mutual passion for performing live, which has evolved since their youth.

Guitarist Bradley earned his invite into the band after an exceptionally intoxicated performance in a Jimi Hendrix tribute band, after which he collapsed and was carried offstage, he was clearly a man on The Sly-tones wavelength. He was promptly recruited.

The line-up was completed with Carl and Fred, who form a unique rhythm section with Fred's unparalleled drumming style and Carl's pounding complex basslines.

The songs groove with a sinister air, retro yet contemporary. Old yet new.

The sound is pulled together with raw vocals, Edwards menacing, growling voice hollers tales of sex, drugs and politics.

Ever wary of clichés, The Sly-tones' takes on children's songs show how it is so easy to hide cruelty under innocence on tracks such as Goldie Locks, Run Rabbit Run and The Teddy Boys Picnic.

Edwards explains: "We've got loads of different styles, we jump from blues-based tunes to screaming riffs and jungle grooves, trying to introduce unusual chords in a new and dirty way."

The Sly-Tones have been building support and shaping their live set at key venues (Barfly) and radio stations (Juice FM) in the south east in 2007 and will soon be announcing a national tour. Confirmed dates coming up are as follows:

March 21 - Vinters Parrot, Worthing
March 30 - Belushi's, Brighton
April 21 - The Concorde 2, Brighton


The Sly-tones are:

Ashley Edwards – Guitar, Lead Vox
Bradley Wescott – Lead Guitar
Carl Brothwood – Bass Guitar, Backing Vox
Chris Phillips – Keys, Backing Vox
Freddie Hills – Drums, Backing Vox

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