Greymatter are an acoustic-based, four-piece female band from Berkshire. They've just released their debut album, Hands on Fire, on their own label and are set to attract plenty of ardent new fans with it.

Formed in 2004, Greymatter have become quite a hit on the lesbian music scene in the UK. Some readers will remember their triumphant gig at Brighton Pride earlier this year. It's clear that they're a great live band, but how do their performances translate in the studio?

Hands on Fire has been released by the band themselves but unlike many DIY musical projects, this one benefits from clear production, impressive musicianship and a professional sheen. All of the ten songs have been written by Georgey Payne who must surely be the band's wunderkind, she sings them too, alongside Emma Kavanagh.

Payne, who comes from a musical family, has been playing guitar since she was seven years old and taught herself piano and drums before she was 12! But it was a chance meeting with Kavanagh that got the band started. The pair realised that their voices sounded really good together and Payne began to write songs which would reflect their vocal talents. Not long afterwards they expanded the duo into a four piece band.

It's easy to hear Greymatter's influences throughout Hands on Fire. If you like The Indigo Girls then you'll love this stuff. There's also a smidgeon of Sarah Mclachlan, Melissa Etheridge, Natalie Merchant, Jewel, and Suzanne Vega, though the band also name check the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and The Killers too. This means: richly textured harmonies, fancy guitar work and a chilled, introspective feel.

Hands on Fire is heavy on the ballads and, to be honest, sometimes it is a little unadventurous, earnest and generic. But there are a couple of standout tracks, ‘Somewhere After Midnight’ is funky and almost rocky and ‘Maybe Now We Shall Begin’ is elegantly crafted, a great way to round off the album.

In the meantime, Greymatter have a hugely loyal (and rather good-looking) fan base and really seem to care about their followers. Make sure you catch one of their forthcoming gigs, it's onstage that they truly come alive.

Find out more at www.greymatter-music.co.uk and read our interview with Greymatter.

Hands on Fire, by Greymatter
Released by: Greymatter
Price: £12

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