Artist Detailed Info: Ayatana

Ayatana refers to at least two bands;

Ayatana are an upcoming rock trio based and formed in Manchester. Their dense, fuzzy soundscape draws from several influences, where varying degrees of desert rock, blues, grunge and psychedelia are enmeshed together. The supporting keystone to all this is groove, with irresistible columns of bass, robust, beat-heavy drumming, and chunky lead guitar riffs, often sheering away into kaleidoscopic solos.

The band formed in early 2007 by Mike Brotherton, guitarist and singer, and bassist Matt Fitzpatrick. Drummer Dan Leigh then joined, and the group quickly established themselves in the Manchester band circuit following an early performance at the Cornerhouse for Art Radio. In the same year, Ayatana cut their first demo, 'the Underachiever EP,' and played memorable gigs at the Ruby Lounge, Night and Day, and Dry Bar.

2008 heralded a number of additional live gigs, each supported by a growing base of fans at venues new and old – some further afield in the North West. Later in the year the current Ayatana drummer Eddie Wastnidge joined the fold after the departure of Dan. Eddie brought with him an impressive stage presence, which when seen live appears as a frantic blur of limbs, all the while keeping – somehow – a very accurate and measured rhythm.

A new EP was launched this year, recorded at Ryburn Studios in Yorkshire. 'The Loafer EP' consists of 3 tracks, each supremely funky, giving a good representation of their mood in live performances. The EP is currently available at their gigs or to listen to online, at the band's MySpace page. Today the band can be caught at such venues as Moho Live, Retro Bar, and other popular Manchester venues.

Contact via email at ayatanamusic@live.co.uk or via MySpace www.myspace.com/ayatana

Biography by Richard Reed.

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