I first saw Two Wounded Birds at Brighton’s annual expo of new bands, The Great Escape. First on the bill at a hot and sweaty Hector’s House (now Blind Tiger Club) they wowed the crowed with their unique take on retro surf-rock that seemed to belie their youth (I’m pretty sure they were still at school at the time.) Since then they’ve released a couple of singles and their self-titled debut album, which came out on the Holiday Friends Recording label.

Hailing from Margate and with a lead singer called Johnny Danger, they exude West Coast cool – combining the youthful harmonies and jangly guitars of the Beach Boys with a scuzzy, dark underside of wistful lyrics and meandering bass lines. Although they are indebted to the 1960s sounds, they are anything but rock-n-roll copyists. The interplay of guitars and energy of the rhythm section give the songs a real punch, delivering rock solid melodies with production reminiscent of Spector’s Wall of Sound.

They’ve played Brighton a few times and with each gig they get tighter and the songs more developed. This time they’re playing at The Green Door Store and their immaculate songs, unpretentious swagger and youthful exuberance will be a surefire winner.