A Sydenham rock band with a loyal following are preparing to release their long-awaited debut single.

Itchy Teeth, who have toured all over Europe and been played regularly on BBC radio, are finally unleashing their first single, Going Up to Mars, on September 23.

Written by the quartet’s guitarists and vocalists Charlie Hannah, 26, and Xav Clarke, 26, the band describe the track as ‘somewhere between retro-pop and futurism’.

The record will be available on iTunes and on red vinyl, a nod to the 60s and 70s acts that influenced them. A release party is being held at Monarch in Camden on September 23.

Charlie told Vibe: “We are unbelievably excited.  We've been together many years and it's been a long time coming.  Our fans have been very patient. 

“For us it's a dream to have our stuff released on vinyl, since we're all obsessed with records.”

Itchy Teeth have been active for a number of years – Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood described their sound as ‘stupendous pop rock’ – and are totally independent.

For this record, they took control of everything from the recording to the artwork and the promotion. They manage their own tours, travelling Europe with just their trusty estate car Black Betty.

It has led to some success, with a supportive fanbase, constant touring, their own fanzine and Youtube series and they even recorded the theme for CBeebies’ programme Dinopaws.

 

 

 

Charlie said: “We've been involved with managers and industry types in the past, but the only time when anything concrete has happened for the band, it's always been off our own initiative.

He added: “We decided to go it alone fully two and a half years ago when we left our manager of three years. Since when we've been touring in Europe many times, recorded and released (small level - at gigs) a live album and been played many times on BBC radio.

“The DIY approach is working for us now, but I'd like to add that we're not too set in our ways that we'd decline a management/label offer should the right person come along.”

Itchy Teeth’s single Going Up to Mars is out September 23, available on iTunes and limited edition red seven-inch vinyl. Go to itchyteeth.org