We have recently had the pleasure to host up and coming Middlesbrough band A fable for the Curious. Bass Guitarist Michael Heaton contacted us last year to find out how they could play at one of our showcase events. Naturally we agreed immediately to put them on at The Alice, however we were fully booked until late January so we had had to wait to see them!

In the meantime we were hearing all sorts of great things about this band. They won the battle of the bands at Cellar 51 in the back end of 2008 after having been asked to step in on one of the rounds last minute due to another band dropping out, and several other high profile gigs in Middlesbrough that they played caught our attention.

In February of this year the guys played the Cavern Club in Liverpool - yes THE Cavern Club! - and although we were unable to attend, the feedback we have heard from those who did go has been immense. A Fable for the Curious are now through to the Regional Final of Live and Unsigned, the National music competition for unsigned bands, vocal groups and solo artists. With over 10,000 registrations for the second year in succession, it is the biggest music talent search for original singers and acts to perform live in the UK and is taking place on Sunday March 15th.

So who are A Fable for the Curious? We have Mark O'Hare - lead vocals and guitar, Michael Heaton - Bass guitar and Nigel Waterfall - Brown on drums. Originally a four piece they defined their sound last year and became the three piece they are today. At first glance you would think they were a metal band but its very difficult to put these guys into the traditional metal catagory, they create a unique sound and we would prefer say they are more along the lines of a rock band with metal influences. The show they put on is very entertaining and they are very easy to listen to. With a tour planned for May of this year and a gig list to kill for, Fable are set to become one of the most sought after local bands we have seen for quite some time. Check them out on their MySpace Page.