‘MANCUNIAN Americana’ five-piece The Travelling Band are back after (for them) an unusually long time away from touring and recording.

‘The Big Defreeze’ is the alternative folk band’s highly anticipated fifth album, and has even been named after the three-year gap between it and their last release, ‘Screaming is Something’ in 2011.

As Jo Dudderidge (vocals, guitars, organ, keys) explains, “It’s a reference to what it felt like for us as a band to go and hibernate.

“We’ve been away from touring for a year and a half which is really unnatural for us.

“’The Big Defreeze’ is us allowing ourselves to open up again – we’re defrosting.”

Despite a long gap between album two and three, The Travelling Band have experienced anything but a hiatus, with Jo saying he ‘doesn’t believe in down time’.

The Travelling Band departed from their last tour in 2011 – which saw them enthral the United States at SXSW – and have since patiently crafted their own personal recording studio, forged a record label and revolutionised their horizons through remix collaborations with Grammy award­winner Chris Lord­Alge.

“We’re not ones to sit still,” said Jo, “but the thing that’s taken time is finding people to work with who really believe in the band and in the record.

 “It’s been a long project and there were times where we didn’t really know what was going to happen, so we’re excited and relieved that it’s out there now.”

Produced by Iestyn Polson (Patti Smith, David Bowie) at the ethereally iconic Church Studios, ‘The Big Defreeze’ oozes with creative freedom and massive landscapes, embodying The Travelling Band’s album gap.

The band’s first date on their October tour is at Kendal’s Brewery Arts Centre tinoght (October 2), and Jo said they can’t wait to get on the road.

“One of the hardest things to do in a band is finding that rhythm of recording and touring – it’s the eternal balance.

“We’re massively motivated by playing to people and we love touring – sleeping on floors and in cheap hotels is the kind of thing that keeps us going.

“We’re excited about playing in Kendal because if you’re not careful you can focus too much on cities and ignore great swathes of the country.

“We feel like we’ve got to get out there and find a new audience.”

The Travelling Band will be supported by local duo Northern Sky, who combine the singing and songwriting talents of local musicians Abby Colombi and John Osborne, often with guest musicians in hand.

Originally formed to play a fundraising gig for charity last summer, their popular appearance has led to further shows and a number of self-penned songs, available on Soundcloud.

The secret weapon in Northern Sky’s armoury is Abby’s vocal, lending a soaring, powerful beauty to John’s delicately constructed acoustic and electric guitar pieces.