SOUTHAMPTON psychedelic-indie stars The Rising are returning to both of this year’s Common People and Isle of Wight festivals.

The rock and rollers are one of the few bands to feature on both bills for a second year running and the seven-piece outfit couldn’t be happier.

“It’s fantastic news” said frontman Tommy Overington. “We had a wonderful time at Common People last year on the Uncommon Stage and we can’t wait to be back.

“To also play on the Jack Rocks This Feeling stage at Isle of Wight is another dream come true. We were there watching last year and it’s the best place to see up and coming bands.”

If Common People and IoW are set to be even bigger and better, then so is The Rising’s already huge wall of sound.

Tommy, guitarists Ryan Griffiths and Jimmy Hayes, bassist Barrie Jarman, drummer Matt Stanton and keys player Liam Dixon are now joined by backing singer Emily Blackledge.

“Emily’s brought such a lot to the band” said Tommy, “though there are so many of us now, we’re thinking of having a register!”

“We haven’t left anyone behind after a gig yet, but we’ve been close to a Home Alone scenario a few times!” laughed Ryan.

The new line-up are coming up with some exciting tunes at Planet Sound Studios in Southampton. They are planning a summer release for their next single Olympus and told The Daily Echo some breaking news about their long-awaited second album.

“We’re hoping to have all the tracks ready by the end of the year” revealed Jimmy.

“We’ve already recorded three at the legendary Rockfield studios in Monmouth, which is an incredible place.”

“You can’t be there and not be impressed” added Tommy. “It was a massive eye opener for us for both the quality of production and how the place is steeped in music history.

“The owner, Kingsley Ward, kept telling us things like ‘that’s where Lemmy sat’ or ‘here’s where the Gallagher brothers recorded’ said Liam.

“We even recorded with the same Hammond organ that both The Who and Ultravox used which really blew us away.”

Between their big festival sets The Rising have another gig in Southampton as part of the popular This Feeling club night series at The Joiners.

“We’re supporting Fronteers, one of the best new bands around who are from Hull” said Tommy. “Southampton’s The Costellos are also on the bill, so that’ll be another top night.”

Before then the band are taking their infectious fusion of harmonious 60s rock and roll, punk and indie to Liverpool to play the IPO festival.

“It’s great to go back to the Cavern Club after playing there last year” said Matt. “It’s an honour to be invited, especially to somewhere that knows a thing or two about rock and roll!”

The Rising play The Uncommon Stage at Common People Festival, May 28-29, The Jack Rocks This Feeling stage at Isle of Wight, June 9-12, and at The Joiners, St Mary Street, supporting Fronteers on Friday June 3.

RICHARD DERBYSHIRE