By Andrew Clarke

Last updated 11:44, Thursday, 28 August 2008

WHITEHAVEN band Mazzoni will break new ground this week when they play their first gigs in London.

Step forward: Mazzoni ‘s Mark Rothery

The four-piece have two dates in the capital – at The Merc Clothing Shop tonight and The Water Rats tomorrow – and follow in the footsteps of a host top names to have played at the venues.

The likes of Kaiser Chiefs, Plain White Ts, The Rascals and Scouting For Girls have all played at The Merc, a unique location where the band play from the clothes shop out onto the world famous Carnaby Street.

“This will be a good gig for them and a way to build up their coverage in London,” said the band’s manager, Danny Maudling, who made contacts for The Merc gig through his family’s own clothing store in Whitehaven. “It’s all about creating a buzz and to get people in that area talking about the band.”

“It will be an acoustic gig – the first time we have played acoustically as a whole band – and there should be a good crowd as we are playing out on to the street,” added Mark Rothery from the band. “It’s an exciting opportunity and we are looking forward to it.”

Mazzoni, who have recently had a change in their line-up which saw singer Nev Twentyman leave the band to be replaced by Mark Rothery on vocals, are the only unsigned act to play at The Merc.

The following night is the gig at the world-renowned Water Rats at King’s Cross – a location where Oasis, one of the band’s main influences – played in their early days.

“The Water Rats is the venue to play in London,” said Danny. “And again it gives them more exposure outside the county.”

“This is a big step forward for us and a great achievement to be asked to play at venues like these,” said bass guitarist Mike Proud. “These are some of the biggest gigs we have played and we are really looking forward to the opportunity.”

And there should be a good West Cumbrian following for the band, whose line-up is completed by guitarist Steven Tubman and drummer Andrew Henshaw.

A number of fans are already set to make the trip and, because the gigs coincide with the rugby league Challenge Cup final at Wembley on the Saturday, the band hope local rugby fans will stop by to see them in the nights before the match.

The band’s next local gigs are at Shakers (September 4) and at GL3, supporting the Antarctic Monkeys (September 12).

Visit www.myspace.com/themazzoni for more information.