Last updated 11:25, Thursday, 13 November 2008

A new singer and a new name – but some things are staying the same for Room Full of Owls.

• View more pictures...

Room Full Of Owls

Their determination to create great songs and play the hell out of them on stage remains undimmed.

The artists formerly known as Sods Law have changed their name to reflect new personnel and a new direction.

As a young Cumbrian blues band, Sods Law earned a good reputation and built an enthusiastic following with well received appearances at Brampton Live and Maryport Blues Festival. They also played regularly at Carlisle venues The Source and The Brickyard.

Most of Sods Law will be back at The Brickyard tonight in their new incarnation, supporting California’s Airborne Toxic Event.

So, first question... Room Full of Owls?

“We were just thinking of ridiculous riders,” says guitarist Tom Macmillan. “Fifty gallons of beer, a crate of caviar, and a room full of owls.”

Singer Sarah Morton has left and been replaced by Fiona Clayton from Penrith. Fiona, who will also be playing acoustic guitar, is already established as a solo performer and has appeared on Solfest’s main stage.

The band have also recruited Richard Bell from Garrigill near Alston as a keyboard/synth player.

“Sarah had to leave because she had other commitments and it was difficult with her living in Newcastle,” explains Tom. “Fiona is a bit mellower, quite folky. There’s a different sound now. There’s more going on, with the keyboard and different ways of working between the drums and the bass.”

Most songs are written by Tom and completed with the rest of the band. “There’s been lot of pressure on us to write fast with a lot of gigs coming up,” says Tom. “We’re hoping to record as soon as possible. Richard is a sound engineer, which helps on that side of things.”

Room Full of Owls debuted their new material at Penrith’s Plug and Play last month. This was well received by a full house and the band will headline Plug and Play at Penrith Playhouse on December 7.

Room Full of Owls also play The Dry Bar in Manchester on November 29 and are planning to run a bus from Alston and Penrith.

For Room Full of Owlstour dates and updates visit www.myspace.com/sodslawmusic