WHEN Kendal’s most famous musical exports, British Sea Power, took to the stage for their recent homecoming gig, a young Cumbrian band hoping for the same success were on hand to support them.

Together for less than two months, The Fiction describe themselves as ‘Brit-Rock-Rhythm & Blues’, and are fronted Luke Sharples – a familiar face in the area through his solo performances.

“Supporting British Sea Power was an amazing platform and a massive step forward in my musical career,” said Luke, “as joining the band has been.”

The four members, aged between 17 and 20, came together at Kendal College, with Luke meeting Joe ‘Sid’ Wyatt (lead guitar) and Tom ‘Buster’ Atkinson (drums) whilst doing the college’s production of Sunshine on Leith.

“I instantly recognised how good they were and thought what an opportunity to be in a band with them,” Luke explained.

With bassist Dan ‘Spaniel’ Farley already on board, The Fiction wrote first tune ‘Am I What You Want’ during their first rehearsal in Joe’s garage, and have been on the up ever since.

Their list of impressive ‘firsts’ as a band includes their first gig – a supporting slot with The Secret Affair at the Brickyard in Carlisle.

The Fiction’s list of influences and inspirations goes through the decades, including The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Paul Weller, The Stone Roses, The Black Keys and Mark Knopfler.

They describe themselves as ‘four sharply dressed lads’, although Luke says, “we've never to this day been really bothered about image.

“We let the music speak for us. I think image is something that comes later down the line.”

The band recently released an EP of original material – what they call the ‘raw first demos’ of their brief but prolific time together so far.

On their songwriting, Luke said, “As a band you've always got to chip in and put your views and ideas across - it is very much a team effort.

“But most of the time me and Joe will sit down in my pub after a few Ribenas and usually come up with the likes of six songs in one night, and a few weird recordings.”

Upcoming dates include supporting The Feud at Bootlegger on December 18 and The Mighty Boofs Boxing Day Fest at The Copeland Stadium in Whitehaven.

For details see https://www.facebook.com/TheFictionBand and www.soundcloud.com/the-fiction-1.