THE SHERLOCKS returned to Southampton as part of their relentless nationwide tour.

The South Yorkshire band of brothers made their second appearance at The Joiners in only three months.

Even on one of the hottest days of the year and during Glastonbury weekend, the St Mary Street venue was again close to capacity. It’s a tremendous achievement for an unsigned band who has never played anywhere else in the South outside of London.

Talented lead singer-songwriter and guitarist Kiaran, his brother and drummer Brandon, guitarist Josh Davidson and his brother and bassist Andy raced through 14 of their highly energetic and increasingly well-known songs.

Escapade, with its urgent drumming and powerful guitar riffs was played early on and really got the Southampton crowd going after a cautious start.

Another favourite Live for the Moment was held back to later, but was met with just as much excitement.

Song writer Kiaran writes lyrics that mean something to the band’s fans. “You spend half your wage before you get paid” is the brilliant introduction to Escapade.

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The set closed with a tremendous cover of Kasabian’s Clubfoot and the band’s own Chasing Shadows, which, though never a single, is a Sherlocks anthem wherever they play it.

Earlier, terrific support came from local bands Junction 13 and Daisy Chains.

Last week The Sherlocks revealed Heart of Gold will be their new single at the end of August. That was also a popular one.

Before the gig, Kiaran explained to The Southern Daily Echo that the song, which was premiered on a mid-morning slot on BBC Radio Sheffield, wasn’t always thought of as single material.

“It’s one of our older numbers, but we did some work on it with our new producer Gavin Monaghan. He opened our eyes to its potential and by the time we’d finished we had a mint tune that we’re really happy with.”

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Their last single Escapade was just outside the official Top 40 and reached number 5 in the iTunes alternative chart, which was another incredible achievement for a band without a record deal.

Since their last visit to The Joiners the lads have been incredibly busy.

Last week they played an astonishing sold-out home-coming gig at the 900 capacity Lead Mill in Sheffield in front of friends, family and fans.

They were even joined on stage by Jon McClure of Reverend and the Makers to play the Clash’s version of I Fought the Law.

“We knew Jon already so we invited him to the gig and asked if he wanted to get up a do a tune” explained Kiaran.

“We only practiced the song during our sound check, but it all came together during the show.”

“The Lead Mill was probably the best gig we’ve ever done” added Brandon. “It was definitely the best one we’ve headlined”.

The show was in such demand that The Sherlocks scrapped their usual guest list to be able to sell more tickets to fans.

It’s inevitably harder work during these early days in places like Southampton, but they are putting the work in and winning fans over all through their own efforts.

They were last in the city when they crossed the Solent to play the Isle of Wight festival.

After filling the Jack Rocks tent on the first evening they were asked to play a second night when a fellow headliner pulled out.

The band also had a stroke of luck with their accommodation. “Although we were still in our tents we managed to swindle our way onto the camper van site so we did get a shower!” laughed Josh.

“It was a great weekend” added Andy “Beer, camp fire steak dinners and great bands, it’s all you need!”

The band have a full programme of festivals across the summer.

They have a coveted slot on the Festival Republic stage at this year’s Reading and Leeds alongside artists like Frank Turner, The Wombats and Ash.

They will also support indie legends Cast, who visit Southampton on Saturday, on some of their northern dates.

The Sherlocks return to the South to play The Bullingdon, Oxford on Saturday July 11 and then Reading festival on Sunday August 30.

RICHARD DERBYSHIRE