Music Spotlight: Nantwich band Knee Deep continue rise on the local music scene

Jan 11 2012 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

Ask any lad what his dream job would be. Footballer or frontman of a band are both high on the list, right?

You’ve got to hand it to 17-year-old Crewe Alex midfielder Billy Walters who has both in the locker right now.

Recently tasting FA Youth Cup action as a first-year scholar at Crewe’s Academy, he’s also made a mark on the local music scene thanks to a successful combo with his bandmates.

In fact, four-piece indie rock outfit Knee Deep impressed so much at The Box in Crewe, they’ve been hastily brought back as main support to Dimension on Friday.

However, any final career choices are not in the level-headed prospect’s head right now.

“I think I’ll stick to football right now and see where the music takes us,” said Walters, who is joined by Jack Booth (bass) and identical twins Dave (drums) and Andy Martin (guitar).

Influenced by the likes of Arctic Monkeys, The Killers and Foo Fighters, it all started for them in a maths lesson at Brine Leas High School in Nantwich some 18 months ago.

“Andy and Dave were keen on starting a band and they knew I could sing a bit,” continued Walters.

“We’d overheard Jack say he was going to a bass lesson during maths so asked him and that’s where it started.

“We didn’t really know him before the band so it’s good that we got another friendship out of it.

“We’re all pretty good mates now and although we’re just starting out, it’s been a lot of fun.”

After a string of initial gigs, Knee Deep have started to find their own way forward.

“At first all we played were covers but we’ve gone on to put more and more of our own tracks in the set,” added Walters.

“They would start with Andy, Jack would come up with a riff, Dave added drums and we’d finish with vocals.

“But Dave’s written a few more now, Jack has and I’ve done one so we’re all chipping in.”

The guys are relishing their return as alternative-indie trio Dimension enjoy a maiden headline slot at The Box.

With influences ranging from Wolfmother and Jet to Feeder and Foo Fighters, Stephen McGuire (vocals/guitar), Ryan Minshull (bass/vocals) and Jackson Goring (drums) have established themselves as one the best on the local scene inside 12 months.

Having supported rising London outfit Telison along with the likes of Bleached Wail, Dimension deliver a blistering live show.

“We all enjoyed the first gig and it’s great to be going back,” continued Walters.

“We’ve wanted to thank everyone for the support we’ve had so far and we’re hoping to see a good crowd down on Friday.”

Leek band One Million Fingers and mid-Cheshire export Indigo City complete the line-up.

Tickets are £5, doors now open at 7.30pm with an 18+ Indie Clubnight following the gig. Visit www.theboxcrewe.co.uk.