The Epstein

The Epstein are a folk-rock group from Oxford, United Kingdom. They are active from 2006 and the group includes Sebastian Reynolds.

Style and sound

The band plays a blend of folk, rock, indie, alternative and soundscape-based music, with repeated references in live and review coverage to banjo, slide guitar, three-part harmonies, trumpet, bluegrass, Americana, country, blues and surf influences. Their music is also described as combining acoustic and electric elements, with a sound that moves between melodic folk songs and more driving rock material.

Albums and recordings

The Epstein’s debut album, Last of the Charanguistas, receives substantial attention and wins recognition in the UK and Europe. The album includes the instrumental track “6.06pm”, which later wins Best Soundtrack at the XDance Adventure Film Festival in Utah. Another song, “Nothing Changes in the Old Town”, appears in live sets but does not appear on the album. “That Dress That She Wore”, “Dance the Night Away” and “Leave Your Light On” are also named among their songs.

The band is also associated with a second full-length studio album in progress, which follows the debut.

Live activity and festivals

The Epstein tour widely in the UK and make regular trips to Germany and Holland. They complete a 15-date tour of Germany and Holland and also tour the UK with Canadian group OX. They appear at a number of festivals, including Glastonbury, where they win the Emerging Talent competition and play in the Acoustic Tent in 2007 and return in 2008. Other festival appearances include Eurosonic Rhythm and Blues Festival, Innocent Festival, Wychwood Festival, Canterbury Festival, Lounge on the Farm, Cornbury Festival, 2000 Trees, Truck and Wood Festivals.

Recognition and radio play

Huw Stephens names Last of the Charanguistas his Album of the Week on BBC Radio 1 Introducing in January 2008. The band also receive positive coverage from BBC Oxford, BBC Radio Oxford and other outlets, and are described in one review as one of Oxford’s leading bands. Their debut album is reviewed positively in several places, with comparisons made to acts such as Calexico, The Broken Family Band, Arcade Fire, The Decemberists and Fleet Foxes.

Film and soundtrack work

The track “6.06pm” appears on the soundtrack of the surf documentary Chasing Waves and wins Best Soundtrack at the XDance Adventure Film Festival in Utah in spring 2009.