Stars in Waiting: M.A.D.I.S.O.N

Unsigned Shropshire band M.A.D.I.S.O.N are hoping to emulate some of rock's biggest names, after drawing on inspiration from some of the most successful bands of all time.

The band started out, as many do, back in college when a group of friends deciding to get together because nothing would be cooler than forming their own band.

Since then M.A.D.I.S.O.N, albeit with a few line-up changes, have metamorphosed into one of the most polished and technically gifted bands on the circuit.

The four-piece showcase a unique take on British rock but give it lashings of 'Nashville flavour', something vocalist Dan Steel and lead guitarist Dave Sylva explain.

Dan said: "The British rock side to our music is the classic rock sounds of Queen and the like."

Dave added: "The Nashville flavour is the sound of Fleetwood Mac or the vocal harmonies echoing the Eagles."

M.A.D.I.S.O.N tracks such as Nothing More Than a Feeling or Take Me Back showcase huge, powerful choruses with classic Brit rock. They seamlessly merge those sounds with vocal harmonies and guitar riffs that wouldn't sound out of place in America's heartland.

Dan and Dave are joined on stage by Jenny 'The Funk' Ford on drums and Aaron 'Aj' Collyer on bass.

It's hardly surprising that the band are cropping up on all the right radars.

The Darkness's Justin Hawkins has described the band as having a 'great pro sound' after hearing them play while Robert Plant's (Led Zeppelin) label M.A.S records have taken interest and are now associates.

Last month, the band played to thousands of people as a support, lining up ahead of a bill featuring Thunder, White Snake and Journey.

"It's the best performance yet, well definitely the biggest," laughed Dave.This year has also seen the guys release their third EP entitled Fire and Rain, which has already received a fantastic reception.

Dan said: "We had a hundred copies burned – and they all went."

The three track release features stand out ballad Another Day (also released as a single), which both Dan and Dave agree is their favourite. Dan said: "It's the one that stands out to us. It sums up everything we're about".

The band have their own recording facilities, which means they are constantly striving to improve.

Dan said: "With it being our studio we haven't got to book or physically pay to use the studio itself can just relax and take our time over it."

That has paid off. For a true taste though of what M.A.D.I.S.O.N has to offer make your way to one of their live shows, they are playing Newfest at the end of this month on June 29, with tickets priced £10.

For more information and to listen to all three of their studio EP's visit their website www.madisononline.co.uk where new single 'Another Day' is even available as a free download.