Loungetree are a four-piece band who write their own original material. They were formed in early 2007 when the musical and song writing partnership of Brett Littleton and Ivan Hickenbotham proved fruitful, combining their shared love of music and influences. After a few weeks of writing material Loungetree began constructing a home built studio in an unused room at Ivan's house, culminating in the production of their debut self-titled EP. Brett and Ivan wanted to reproduce this sound live so needed other musicians with the same passion and drive as they had. In early 2008 this became a reality with the introduction of Nigel Wright and Dave Messenger.

The band hail from the Black Country, an area which has been producing quality rock music and musicians since the beginning of the genre, including Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, Electric Light Orchestra and members of Led Zeppelin. Loungetree originate from the same melting pot of influences and, since their formation, have been putting down solid roots. With their blend of rock, blues and grunge combined with intelligent lyrics, they have been entertaining audiences at festivals and venues across the region.

2008 saw Loungetree play at the Lichfield Fuse Festival in Beacon Park followed by the Wizzafest festival near Banbury. The Lichfield Arts Council invited them to perform at the launch of their Olympiad Cultural Weekend in September and their Fuse Festival 2009 fundraiser at the Lichfield Guildhall on 29th November.

2009 saw Loungetree upping the ante, with return invites to local festivals, charity gigs, and being in high demand to play at numerous pubs, clubs and festivals. They signed to independent Midlands' record label Black Sheep Records and their first full-length album, 'Seasons', was recorded at Univibe Studios in Walsall and released in September 2009 on CD and as digital download in January 2010. It is now available on iTunes, Amazon and other retailers.

The album is an energetic caper through a range of musical styles from rock to indie to grunge to country stomp, drawing comparisons (from their fans) to The Eagles, Counting Crows, My Morning Jacket, Nirvana, Grant Lee Buffalo and Hootie & The Blowfish. The influences are evident, but the Loungetree sound remains unique and fresh.

'Seasons' was a statement of where the band was at the time of recording. Time never stands still for Loungetree though: Brett and Ivan have discovered electric guitars and their prolific song-writing is leading the band in a heavier, somewhat darker direction in the progression towards their next studio venture, which is sure to win them new fans.

In the meantime, catch them at a venue near you - or ask them to play near you! If they can arrange it they will. The music and performance is full of enough energy and passion to give larger names a run for their money.

• Americana