The Dreaming Spires

Event information

After a decade of only sporadic activity (a result of various other projects being pursued), Oxford’s The Dreaming Spires are back with a vengeance, with a new album and a supporting tour in the autumn; and we are delighted that one of the stops on that tour will be in the Welland Valley.

The Dreaming Spires are brothers Robin and Joe Bennett, Jamie Dawson, Tom Collison and Nick Fowler. Robin and Joe formed early 2000s Oxfordshire indie band Goldrush, who signed to Virgin Records. Over the last decade they have toured the world as part of Saint Etienne's live band, and of course with the award-winning Bennett Wilson Poole, who played a memorable gig in Great Easton in 2019. Jamie is in constant demand on drums for touring US artists such as Annie Keating and Carter Sampson, while Tom plays keys in Danny & the Champions of the World and has toured with the likes of Billy Bragg. Nick joined Goldrush for their 3rd and final album in 2008, and is band member of choice for the likes of Gaz Coombes (Supergrass) and Peter Buck (REM).

The band’s third album, Normal Town, makes its way into the world on October 24th, with the title track being released as the first single on June 27th.

The two previous albums, Brothers In Brooklyn and Searching For The Supertruth, are both regarded as classics in the Americana world and garnered praise from across the music press, such as:

"This is quite simply a terrific record" 4/5 - The Sunday Express
"...a fine collection of songs that may well prove to be one of the best British albums of the year." 8/10 – Americana UK
“…the most thrilling country rock debut album since Big Star" **** Q
"it's clever, fresh-faced, melodic and it believes.'' **** The Independent
''...power-pop hooks and sweet harmonies'' 8/10 UNCUT
"...clear-eyed power-pop. Think Petty. Think Parker" WORD
“This is an album with a powerful soul” Fatea Magazine

Supporting on the night will be Leicester band Mountaintop Junkshop. They weave a sound that feels like it’s been plucked from a lost era of alt-country’s golden age. With haunting, sparse arrangements and raw, emotive melodies, their music carries the weight of lonely highways and bittersweet goodbyes. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Low, Mazzy Star, and Songs: Ohia, they craft songs that breathe and linger, allowing silence to speak as loudly as their melodies. They’ve shared stages with artists such as Jolie Holland, Herman Dune, Nina Nastasia, The Vaselines and Erin Rae, building a reputation for their captivating, intimate performances.

We cannot wait for what will be an exhilarating night of live music and we hope you will join us.

Free parking is available on High Street and there will be a full bar.