Beyond expectations: West Berkshire band wow Thatcham Festival goers

A young West Berkshire band rocked Thatcham at the weekend with a set of non-stop rock classics.

The five piece teenage group, Beyond the Sons, played songs from My Chemical Romance, MUSE and Shinedown.

The boys played to a crowd of around 250- 300 people for the Thatcham Festival on Saturday night (October 15).

Lead vocalist Hector Marshall said: “It was very exciting. I was a little nervous but after the first song I was completely fine but that’s how it generally works.

“It is just really exciting to be on stage. It was really good performing in Thatcham there are lots of people.

“It is awesome to see people walking by and coming to watch us.”

Mr Marshall, who has been singing since he was around 6-years-old said it took “lots of practise” to perfect the metal-like growl in songs.

“It’s lots of practise but that’s the normal line that everyone says,” he laughed.

“Part of it is singing but a part of it is my mind getting carried away and getting excited.”

The band also played one of their own songs Godly Words- which they wrote together, with the majority coming from lead guitarist Jake Collingwood and drummer Albert Lister.

Albert Lister said: “I love the song writing, it’s great. It is usually me and Jake on Thursday’s after school, we jam a bit and get some songs done.”

The GCSE pupil continued: “I have been drumming for four years now and tried loads of instruments from piano and clarinet. I am always tapping in class though and thought- let’s give drumming a try.”

Jake Collingwood, who wowed the crowd as he jumped from the stage to play guitar stood on a bench said he loved the audience.

Rhythm guitarist Ethan Knight echoed his bandmates comment and said everyone was out and happy to be involved.

Tadley based bassist Hayden Horrix said he was proud of the bands achievements thus far with the group being the youngest to perform at Sofar sounds.

Speaking after the gig, managing director of Let’s Play Rock Leo Westby said that the boys had been recognised by music magazines Metal Injection, Metal Hammer and Loud Wire.

They also featured in Revolver magazine for their "awesome cover of Ghost's Square Hammer".

The band tweeted on Wednesday (October 19) to say they will be "going onto" Spotify.

Beyond the Sons will be at the Thatcham Christmas Light Switch On.