Common Tongues

Common Tongues

Common Tongues are a Brighton-based band formed in 2010 by childhood friends Tom Anderson and Oli Hinkins, who grow up together in Cambridge before building the group in the UK. Their music combines tender, emotive songwriting with experimentation and atmosphere, and it is marked by memorable but intricate melodies, vocal harmonies and arrangements that draw on folk and pop as well as more expansive textures.

Style and influences

The band’s sound is described through references to the percussive qualities of Efterklang and Local Natives, alongside influences including Yann Tiersen, Villagers, Radiohead and Brian Wilson. Their performances are also noted for violin, keys and a lively stage presence.

Releases and activity

Common Tongues release their first single, Jumping Ships, on Something Nothing Records in 2011. They follow this with Solitary Thinker and a companion EP, Brother. Their material also appears on the soundtrack to the film Pictures of Lily.

Live work and recognition

The band tour heavily around the UK and appear at festivals including Bestival, Secret Garden Party, The Alternative Escape, Playgroup, Meadowlands, Focus Wales, Liverpool Sound City, London Folkfest, Hop Farm, Cornbury, Lubstock and Tonefest. They also play Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg, St. Lawrence’s Church at Norwich Sound & Vision, and Sligo Live in Ireland, and perform sessions on BBC Introducing South and on RTÉ1’s John Murray show. They support acts including Beth Jeans Houghton, Michelle Stodart, Juan Zelada, Will & The People, Rozi Plain, Brother & Bones and Alice Gold. The band finish in the top five of the Isambard Folk Awards.