A group of old school friends setting up a band is possibly one of the most cliché of activities for a group of boys. The band would often write a couple of half-hearted songs which sounded like exact copies of the work of their idols, shortly followed by a dramatic split which usually involved a girl or even more likely artistic differences. This is where Humbug are so very different. The five-piece band based in Reading, made up of Josh on lead vocals, Jon on rhythm guitar, Alex on lead guitar, Tom on bass and Sam on drums, have already had their debut EP championed by Reading 107 FM and have played at the O2 Academy in Islington. Not bad for a band who only formed in early 2012. Their self-titled debut EP, recorded at Whitehouse Studios in Reading, was released on their Facebook page in November last year, immediately racking up hundreds of listeners and likes on the page and Twitter alike. Humbugs sound is unique to anything I have experienced in recent years, naming The Beatles, Blur and Kasabian as some of their influences. The standard stamp of alternative indie just doesnt do this band justice. The raw talent, showcased especially in personal favourite Goal Getter, is reminiscent of a young Oasis and is the kind of anthem that you can imagine thousands of people screaming along to in an over-capacity festival tent. A recent home gig at the Irish Club in Reading packed out the intimate venue. The bands first headlining gig has just been announced at the renowned Brixton Jamm on February 2, a stage that has been graced by the likes of Pete Doherty, proving that these boys are not messing around and are going from strength to strength. Without doubt, Humbug are my band to watch for 2013. Find them at facebook.com/humbugband and @HumbugUK
