Steel Threads

Steel Threads

Steel Threads are an acoustic group from England, active since 2011. The band consists of Neil Wardleworth on guitar, bass drum and vocals, and Laura Wilcockson on violin and vocals.

Style and influences

Their music combines rock and folk in an original acoustic format. Their stated influences include Led Zeppelin, Crowded House, Fleetwood Mac and The Waterboys. The group is known for strong songwriting and energetic live performances, with a sound built around guitar, violin and vocals.

Recordings

Steel Threads release their debut album, Timing Is Everything, in 2012. Their follow-up, For Those Who Are Left, is funded by fans through a pledge campaign and releases on CD, vinyl and as a digital download in 2013. The album is mastered by Andy Jackson, who is known for work with Pink Floyd, Genesis, Roger Waters and David Gilmour.

Live activity and media

The band performs widely across the UK and builds a strong following through live work. They play confirmed dates at events including The Acoustic Festival of Britain, Clennell Hall Folk Festival, Filey Folk Festival and Les-Fest, alongside support slots and pub and venue appearances. Their music is played on BBC Radio Lancashire, Cambridgeshire, Derby, Ulster and Eastern Counties, as well as on Sunshine Radio, Preston FM, Vixen FM, Bishop FM, Leith FM, Forest FM, Harborough FM and Somer Valley FM.

Press comments

Coverage describes the group’s use of strings, their fiddles, and the contrast in their sound. Reviews also place them in relation to artists such as The Waterboys, Horslips, The Levellers and Whitesnake, and note a distinctive, strong and varied style.