Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams head for Linton Festival (From Hereford Times)

Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams head for Linton Festival

11:10am Sunday 10th June 2012 in Music & Dance

THEY make loud Americana guitar sounds that are raucous, groove-infected and addictive as hi-octane caffeine, but they have nothing to do with Lord of the Rings.

Other than a distinct other-worldliness, born from late 60s road trip rock and a prog-like penchant for experimentation, of course.

So Gandalf Murphy and The Slambovian Circus of Dreams (aka The Grand Slambovians) are back, and ready to emerge from the misty hills of Sleepy Hollow, New York State, onto the UK gig circuit for a sizeable three-week tour, including a Herefordshire event.

Comprising no less than three UK headline festival appearances, things kicked off on May 27 when they brought their “hillbilly Pink Floyd” stylings to the Acoustic Festival of Great Britain.

They’ll be at the Linton Festival near Ross-on-Wye on June 17.

Alongside the Darksiders comparisons have been drawn to the Incredible String Band, Neil Young, The Band, Dylan, and even Zappa, albeit with these faces thrown into a melting pot and distilled into something wholly fresh.

Which is why a string of acclaimed appearances at the likes of Glastonbury, Celtic Connections, and Rhythm Festival have led to the outfit building up a sizable and loyal UK fan-base, preparing them for The Circus of Dreams tour, conceived to support The Grand Slambovians LP, which has just arrived in the UK via their own Slambovian label.

Linton Festival runs from June 15-17 in the grounds of the Alma Inn, also featuring Vintage Trouble, Eric Bell Band and 24 Pesos among others.

lintonfestival.org