A WEST Devon band making their mark on the London music scene return to the region next month for a homecoming gig at the Ordulph Arms. The Rumble Strips, whose members all hail from the Tavistock area, will be joined by London four-piece Oli and local folk hero Tim Clark when they take to the stage on June 3. Although unsigned, recent gigs at the likes of Camden?s Barfly and the Hackney Empire have generated huge amounts of interest from record scouts and a solid fan base is eagerly awaiting the release of the band?s debut single this summer. The London venues are a far cry from their humble beginnings at Tavistock Youth Centre over a decade ago, but it is only in the last year that the boys feel they have made a significant breakthrough in the music world, with one critic having credited them with ?redefining the boundaries of soul?. Known as the Mothering Blackberries in their Tavistock days, the lads have undergone several transformations in the last 13 years, but it is as the Rumble Strips that they have enjoyed the most success. ?You can only get so far in the music business by staying in the Westcountry and we just felt that London was the place to be,? vocalist Henry Clark said about the big move. Getting by in the big city has been tough, but despite a hectic schedule of rehearsing and gigging, the lads find time to pay their way. Henry works as an undertaker, while the skills of web designer and drummer Matt Wheeler have been put to good use on a slick Rumble Strips website. ?We agreed to play at my mum?s birthday so we knew we?d all be in the area at the same time and thought ? why not?? said Henry on the decision to play at one of their old haunts. ?We?re really looking forward to it and it?ll be great to share the stage with my dad.? Tim, a talented folk musician with leanings towards reggae and ska, has lived in the area all his life and the boys are convinced he?ll be a great opening act for them. ?He?s the one who kicked this all off,? says Henry, who credits his father as being a major influence on the band. ?Without him there?d be no Rumble Strips.? Oli will then take over with an hour-long set before making way for the Strips. A small contingent of guest DJs will then step forward to keep the festivities in full flow until 1am.. The Rumble Strips play the Ordulph Arms on June 3, 8pm to 1am. Fans can keep up to date with the band on their website- http://www.rumblestrips.co.uk">www.rumblestrips.co.uk.
