An indie band that has already impressed critics has released a new single and hinted at "big plans" for next year.
Stepford Wives is made up of rhythm guitarist, Niklos Jackson in his 50s, his 23-year-old daughter, Maisie Jackson as a percussion vocalist, Brad Barlow, 30, on lead guitar, Nathan Lowe, 30, on drums and Rowan Heywood, 21, playing bass.
Spanning generations X to Z, each member brings something of their own to compliment the band's unique makeup, from Maisie's "beautiful singing voice" to Brad's "expressive" lead guitar, and the fact that most of them pitch in on the vocal front.
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The band has evolved since they first sprung onto the North West indie and psychedelic scene in 2019, as Niklos said they have been busy tweaking the line-up, experimenting with their own sound and cracking on with recording singles in their recording studio at Woodend Mill in Mossley.
But even before the transformation, the band - whose members hail from Oldham and Tameside - supported "big massive names" in the alternative and punk scene and played venues like the Picture Drome, Manchester Academy and Newcastle's Boiler Shop.
Their debut ep, 'All on Me', was spun by BBC Introducing Manchester and went on to make an appearance on Sky Sports Soccer AM, while their singles have amassed thousands of streams.
@stepfordwivesband la la la la la la la #fyp #pop #indie #altrock #manchesterunited #manchestercity #oldhamathletic #oldham ♬ original sound - Stepford Wives
Influenced by a mixture of 'funky' and alternative bands - like the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Queens of the Stone Ages and The Stone Roses to the Allah-Las and Brian Jonestown Massacre - Stepford Wives' "DIY underground" sound is already proving a hit with gig-goers and reviewers.
Influential alternative magazine, Louder Than War, described their set at the Castle in Manchester as an "amazing post-punk assault of brilliant songs that punch you in the gut".
A more recent gig at Ashton United Football Club shows the venue was rammed - and Niklos said it was the first time the band saw people "singing the words back" as they performed.
Niklos continued: "We've progressed and developed a much more commercial, almost indie psychedelic alternative sound that is much more melodic.
"We've done four or five gigs now with Maisie on board and the reaction and feedback we are getting - people are just going crazy.
"They're not just stood there and clapping.
"It's more than mega. It's what we do this for. It's the whole point in doing it, to be honest."
He added: "It makes us feel like, the way the band's going and the direction we're taking, it's all worthwhile.
"They weren't just friends and family, they were people who bought a ticket because they had seen us and they liked us and they turned up.
"We were like, wow, that's really a step forward."
To maintain this momentum, Stepford Wives said they're looking forward to next year as they plan to kick off in a new direction, and helping them set sail on their whirlwind adventure is the release of their new single, 'Carousel', which premiered on Friday (November 10).
A sneak preview of the track was aired on Amazing Radio the week before, which Niklos said was a "pretty big deal", while one reviewer at Reyt Good Magazine, which celebrates grassroots music, dubbed it "one hell of a tune" with a "cool yet exhilarating" intro which bursts into a "flame of energy".
Speaking to The Oldham Times, Niklos said he hopes the song symbolises a new era for Stepford Wives as the band look to get out of the north west to "get around a bit", though the Oldham Athletic fan admitted he would welcome performing in Latics' stadium.
He continued: "We're looking to get recording a new album and we've got new merch and logo designs, which is also Oldham-based as our designer, Stephen Lynn, is a reputable artist within the Manchester scene.
"The video for Carousel has also been filmed and edited by a Manchester film school graduate.
@stepfordwivesband a madness in Ashton-under-Lyne get involved new single new video lessons #indierock #psych #altrock #fyp ♬ original sound - Stepford Wives
"We've bought a van so that we'll be out next year as much as possible.
"We're just really looking forward to it.
"It's a world of doom and gloom at the minute but we're trying to present happy, smiling faces, and provide people with a bit of escapism."
In terms of what's next, Stepford Wives hope to release their brand new album next year.
But until then, they have their last gig of the year at Lion's Den in Manchester on December 8 while their next single, 'Not Alone', is due to come out in February next year.
So watch this space!
If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.
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