The Amber Herd

The Amber Herd

The Amber Herd are an alternative rock band from Nottingham and Chesterfield. Formed in Nottingham in 2007, they bring together members who come from different parts of the country and settle in the East Midlands.

Style and line-up

The band’s sound draws on a wide range of influences, from thrash metal to traditional folk, and is associated with post-rock, alternative, experimental and atmospheric music. They are a five-piece group consisting of Neil Beards on vocals and acoustic guitar, Paul Wentworth on electric guitar and vocals, Rob Fitzmaurice on bass guitar, Mark Lasbury on drums and Ollie Powditch on keyboards.

Live work and recognition

The Amber Herd play headlining shows at major venues in the UK and in London. They also appear in BBC Radio Nottingham sessions and support acts including Echo & The Bunnymen, Jesus Jones, Knifeworld, Delays, That Petrol Emotion, Ultrasound and CUD. Festival appearances include Bearded Theory, Y-Not Festival, Danfest, Headstock, Glastonwick and High Voltage. At High Voltage, they win a national competition to headline the acoustic stage. Their appearance at Glastonwick comes by personal invitation of Attila the Stockbroker.

Recordings

The band release two double A-side singles, a five-track EP and their debut album, Our Only Eden, which appears in 2014. The song “Thursday” is voted Notts Live radio’s number one song of 2010 in its annual top 50 rundown, and the closing track “Magnolia” appears on Channel 4’s Hollyoaks. They also release a 7-inch vinyl single of “Kite” on Tallbird Records for Record Store Day 2015, and the four-track EP In Cascade.

Press descriptions

They are described in media as one of Nottingham’s best kept secrets, as an intriguing band with an eye for drama and melody, and as a mind-blowing live act. Other commentary highlights their blend of melancholic indie, stripped-back folk, post-punk, and wall-of-sound textures.