THE EPSTEIN STORY SO FAR:

Oxford’s loveable alt-country favourites The Epstein came together from an idea hatched by singer/songwriter Olly Wills while working on a farm in the wilds of Wyoming. He brought back his vision back to Oxford, joining up with the nucleus of the band: Jon, Rowland and Ed. Guitarist Stefan D Hamilton was added permanently after a number of guest appearances. The essence and inspiration of much of The Epstein’s music still comes from experiences of that early Wyoming trip and pervades all of their work.

A big part of the Epstein’s sound is the interplay between two highly creative guitarists: Jon Berry, purveyor of The Epstein’s searing slide guitars and who recently moonlighted with the Ralfe Band at the Mighty Boosh shows at Brixton, and man-of-lead riffs and Spanish-style plucking Stefan D Hamilton. Both are au fait with a myriad of instruments including banjo, mandolin, sitar, bouzouki, sitar, glockenspiel and many more. Not to be outdone, bass player Rowland is responsible for honing their recorded output. The Epstein's forthcoming debut album 'The Last of the Charangistas was mainly recorded at Rowland's second home - Truck studio where he recently also helped out with the new Danny George Wilson record, amoungst many others.

Recent adventures for the band include regular appearances around London town (The Windmill, The Social supporting Little Barrie and at Health & Happiness) and a whole day of guerilla-type gigs at the behest of local music programme The Download on BBC Oxford. Their 5 star-reviewed (Kerrang!) appearance at the Truck Festival this year nearly brought the house (or tent, actually) down, and their support folk legend Vashti Bunyon in their hometown in December.

The Epstein are: Olly Wills [Vocals/Guitar] Jon Berry [Guitar/Lap Steel/Melodica/Glockenspiel/Sitar/Backing Vocals/] Rowland Prytherch [Bass/Backing Vocals] Stef Hamilton [Guitar/Banjo/Mandolin/Bouzouki].