YOUNG local band The Magic Gang who landed a slot on the Common People main stage last Sunday look destined for bigger and greater things.

The Hampshire/Dorset four piece delivered a spell-binding set of self-penned material that was both melodic and catchy and perfect for a feel-good sunny afternoon.

And now they are looking forward to a summer of top festival appearances including Reading and Leeds as well as Latitude Festival and the Scala in London.

Not only have they the backing of music maestro Rob da Bank who singled them out for a prime Common People spot but last year they toured with Wolf Alice and their exciting new EP was produced by Dreamtrak, who has worked with Foals and Swim Deep.

Their soulful pop tunes brought a more relaxed and chilled atmosphere to the Common, performing straight after television's unforgettable fitness guru Derrick Evans, aka Mr Motivator - still wearing the same garish Lycra as when he burst onto breakfast television 23 years ago - and just before those cockney wide boys Chas and Dave!

Speaking to the Daily Echo after coming off stage drummer Paeris Giles, 22, said:

"It was very weird following Mr Motivator who had everyone up moving - you can't top Mr Motivator! Coming on between him and Chas and Dave had to be the most difficult festival slot ever!"

The band which comprises frontman Jack Kaye from Bournemouth, Paeris Giles from Christchurch on drums, bassist Angus (Gus) Taylor from Christchurch and Kristian Smith from New Milton, already have a wealth of great songs after just two years together. They tell me their musical influences are The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, The Beach Boys and Frankie valley- a mix of classic rock and traditional pop songs. Standout tracks on Sunday included 'All This Way' and 'Only Waiting', ending on a high note with 'Alright'.

The Common People performance follows two singles and the tours with Wolf Alice and Swim Deep, and they have already built up a devoted fan base who follow them wherever they play.

It’s not hard to see why either, their sun drenched pop is the perfect remedy for dark winter days, and sublime accompaniment to afternoons out in the park.

They recently recorded their new EP but so far are unsigned to a record label. They told me they have had plenty of interest but are considering their options. They say they enjoy the fact they are free to write and explore new material and styles without the restraints of a label telling them what they should do.

Gus says they have the best hard core fans: they buy the merchandise, decorate their bedroom walls with memorabilia and “know all the words to unreleased songs.”

Many of these devotees crowded the Common People stage on Sunday sporting Magic gang t-shirts whilst singing along.

The band are eager now to take things to the next level and as Gus explains: “We’re gonna want to do more. And we won’t be able to do it without the backing of a label.

"We are in the process of meeting labels and we are taking our time with waiting for the right offer to come in. We don't want to be formed into something we're not. We are enjoying ourselves right now and being allowed to play what we want and say what we want when a lot of artist lose what was good about them in the first place. ”

Certainly the new EP and the Common People performance proves The Magic Gang haven’t needed a label to perfect their tunes.