It’s time to bring Avian in to land! From our first gigs together, nearly ten years ago, it’s been quite a journey. Musically I really enjoyed the sound we created – it felt like adding rocket boosters compared to the acoustic arrangements that I’d been working with post-Static Rain. It was very good to capture it in the Return of the Sun album, and great to have played various gigs around Reading on the way.

Time moves on though. Post-covid, job changes and other big shifts in our lives made it difficult for the band to get together, so we’ve been quiet for a while (certainly as a three-piece). When I finished an intense, personal journey last year – culminating in a collection of new songs – it was clear there wasn’t lift in those wings to take my new project forward.

The King is dead! Long live the King!

Happily, Jamie and I have kept things together during the hiatus. With a new album to work on, we were super-pleased to be able to recruit Eric, and form a new three-piece in Autumn 2025. We’ve been rehearsing since then, and the new band is already feeling very strong. So from the ashes of Avian I’m really looking forward to getting back out there as Chris Beales and the Heretics.