Interview: Shropshire band The Common Sounds (formerly The Greens) talk new name, EP and tour

The Common Sounds were formerly known as The Greens, and were regulars on the Shropshire live scene until two of the band became fathers in 2011.

After taking some time out, the band returned with a glorious comeback performance at Shrewsbury Food Festival in June, and have now released their first new material in years, the Six Feet EP.

Founding trio Tom Hayward, Tim Jenkins and Si Alton are now joined by drummer Sam Rickards and saxophonist Claire Alleaume, adding a welcome extra element to the sound.

As lead singer Tom explains, the new beginning felt so strong that a new name was needed too – and The Common Sounds were born.

"We have been writing and performing together for around 15 years, and as The Greens we played regularly throughout the early 2000s," he says.

"To be honest, we felt we needed a break and when babies started arriving it naturally led some of us to having time away from the band.

"For no obvious reason we started writing and recording more regularly over the past year – it just felt right, and we think the new songs are the best we have ever written.

"The new name comes from a practical necessity – there are already other bands called The Greens on iTunes – but also because it feels like a fresh start.

"Common Sounds was the name of our own little record label when we first started out, and it means the songs are for everyone, like a village common was traditionally for everyone's benefit."

As songwriters, the band are inspired by classic performers from the 1960s and 70s, such as Paul Simon, Neil Young, John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

They are getting back on the road too, having dusted off the cobwebs at Shrewsbury Food Festival, swiftly followed by a gig with American roots duo, Swampcandy, The Common Sounds are heading further afield for a date at respected venue The Rainbow, in Birmingham, on October 14.

"We feel like a new band performing live," Tom says. "We have a much more solid sound now, whereas in the past we had an unplugged kind of set-up, and with the addition of saxophone on some songs it gives us a bit of a bluesy edge."

And what's their ambition now, as they approach their 40s – a record contract and world domination like any other fledging band?

"We just want people to enjoy our songs," says Tom. "That's what it's all about, regardless of how cool we may or may not be, we believe in our songs and want the world to hear them. That's it."

Perhaps their website offers the greatest insight into the nature of their music: "Life goes fast, so slow down and savour it. The Common Sounds make music best enjoyed in front of the fire on a cold winter's night with a glass of red in hand. Having said that, it sounds pretty good on a sunny August afternoon too."

Six Feet EP is available now on iTunes, Amazon, Apple Music, Google Play and Spotify.

For more information, visit www.thecommonsounds.com or find them on Facebook and Twitter.

By Andy Richardson