Introducing Searching for Seraphim

Frontman Jamie Dodd with his signature cowboy hat on

BBC Blast reporter Jill Smith gets the lowdown on Blackburn band Searching for Seraphim who were a big hit at Darwen Music Live...

SFS have been on the local music scene radar since March 2008 with their unique melodic sound.

Frontman Jamie Dodd and drummer Bernard O'Doherty aka Bod were previously in a band together back in 2003.

After the band split they later formed SFS with Bod's younger brothers Liam and Dom.

They recruited another guitarist James Ruane in early 2009.

Bod and Liam and came up with the band's name between them: Bod liked the sound of the word seraphim and Liam added searching for "to prevent them sounding like an 80s metal band".

There's nothing in the world like the feeling when we're on stage doing what we do best. Jamie Dodd

They actually produce uplifting rock music with songs such as 'whispers' and 'six'. They kick off with a gentle melodic feel and build up to a heavier strength of sound accompanied by elaborate boom of bass and drums.

SFS write all their own material, with frontman Jamie and Liam providing most of the creativity. Jamie pens the songs while Liam provides the riffs. Bod said: ''Songs seem to flow out of them and the rest of us pick them up on to create our sound."

The band's inspirations are certainly varied: they cite US rockers The Dangerous Summer as well as the old Cbeebies Springwatch theme tune as recent influences.

Jamie says the band are at their best live. "Recordings are fun, but you can't hide and there are no second takes in a live show. It's a chance to really show people what we can do.

"There's nothing in the world like the feeling when we're on stage doing what we do best."

SEARCHING FOR SERAPHIM Jamie Dodd (vocals/piano) Liam O'Doherty (guitar) James Ruane (guitar) Dom O'Doherty (bass) Bernard O'Doherty aka Bod (drums)

I ask what you can expect from a SFS gig. ''A big, energetic powerful melodic and fun show!'' is Liam's reply.

Their favourite gig to date was Franky's bar as part of the Darwen Music Live 2009.

Jamie, who is famous for his cowboy hat, explained: "It was our second gig of the day and the crowd was really pumped up. We all came off sweaty and tired but charged from the atmosphere.''

Although they reckon the Lancashire music scene is more indie led right now they aren't letting that worry them as they have plenty of gigs in the pipeline.

They are looking forward to supporting the Clone Roses at King Georges Hall, Blackburn in October as well as a forthcoming London and south coast tour.

Searching for Seraphim play at Blackburn's King Georges Hall on 9th October 2009.