New release for local four-piece

release of their latest EP.

Alternative rock four-piece Sons of Encouragement, whose members are from Greenisland and Whitehead, produced ‘The Getaway’ through independent label BYmonster Records.

The group formed five years ago when Matthew Duly, Ben Calwell, Chris Taylor and Darren Mercer were at school in the borough.

“We’ve all been playing instruments from when we were quite young so we decided to get together and form a band,” drummer and vocalist Ben told the Times. “Sons of Encouragement is a biblical name; we’re all Christians in the band although we don’t play Christian music. We started out in school talent shows - three of us went to Downshire School and Chris went to Belfast High.”

The group had their first taste of success after winning a local battle of the bands competition, and have since performed at several venues in Carrick and Belfast.

Their debut single ‘And Again’ was released last year, while ‘The Getaway’, recorded at Antrim’s Einstein Studios, is available to buy on iTunes, Spotify and Amazon.

The group aim to follow in the footsteps of local success stories General Fiasco and Two Door Cinema Club, with hopes of touring other parts of the UK.

“Were also in talks with other labels about future singles and have featured on Across The Line on Radio Ulster talking about the new release, as well as a live session with Blast106,” Ben added