By Richard Derbyshire

INDIE favourites The Sherlocks are set to return to Hampshire on the eve of the launch of their third single.

The South Yorkshire band of brothers are playing The Railway Inn, Winchester on Thursday, October 29, just a week before the release of brand new tune Heart of Gold.

The group have high hopes for the song after their last one, Escapade, reached number 3 in the ITunes alternative chart and number 45 in the official chart. That was an incredible achievement for a band without a record deal.

Last week radio legend Steve Lamacq gave Heart of Gold its first national airplay on BBC Radio 6 Music. It’s available for pre-order on ITunes now.

The lads from Bolton upon Dearne have become regulars in the South after their first gig in the region at a packed Joiners in March.

They returned to the St Mary Street venue again in June after playing two big shows at this year’s Isle of Wight Festival. Last month they debuted at Reading and Leeds where they performed in front of thousands on the popular Festival Republic stage.

Their huge crowd at Reading was especially staggering as it was for an 11:15am show on Sunday. Festival goers had made sure that they had set their alarm clocks to see one of the most exciting new bands open the day’s events.

Lead singer-guitarist Kiaran Crook, his brother and drummer Brandon, lead guitarist Josh Davidson and his brother and bassist Andy only had time for six songs, but they made the most of it.

A new song called Blue was added to the set list. It already has the hallmarks of another Sherlocks classic.

Kiaran’s writing, the band’s hard work and their sessions with renowned Wolverhampton producer Gavin Monaghan are clearly reaping rewards.

The Southern Daily Echo caught up with Kiaran, Brandon, Josh and Andy at Reading.

“Playing both Leeds and Reading has been amazing” said Kiaran. “We’re absolutely buzzing.”

“We were speechless when we saw the crowds” added Brandon.

“We’re back on the road soon for some more gigs” said Andy. “One week it’s Aberdeen and the next its Winchester so it’s a good job we have a new van!”

“It’s great coming down South” said Josh. “We’re really getting to know everyone and you have some terrific bands and venues.”

Basingstoke’s Flashfires and local band Junction 13 are also on the bill for Winchester.

It’s not that long since The Sherlocks played their first gig in Great Houghton, Yorkshire for £60 and all the drinks they wanted. Now they are playing world famous festivals and drawing massive crowds.

The grass roots Sherlocks army is on the march. They arrive in Winchester next month.

Heart of Gold is released November 6 and is available now for pre-order on ITunes.

The Sherlocks play The Railway Inn, Winchester on Thursday, October 29. Tickets £8 advance. More at thesherlocksmusic.co.uk and @thesherlocksuk