Biography
"Cool To Be Kind is a must-have album" - Kevin Cooper, UK Music Reviews
Phil Barton met Dave Hemingway back in 2008 when he was invited to play guitar for The South, a band formed from the remnants of The Beautiful South.
In 2012 The South released an album called Sweet Refrains which contained seven songs co-written by Phil. The South eventually decided that they’d prefer to concentrate on highlighting the back catalogue of The Beautiful South prompting Dave’s departure in 2015. After a bit of needed headspace, Dave realised he was still in love with making new music and contacted Phil to see if he had any new material. Sunbirds were born. Their debut album, Cool To Be Kind was released in November 2020 to great reviews.
“Sunbirds British take on Americana evokes Choke-era Beautiful South with warmth to spare” – John Aislewood MOJO Magazine.
“A highpoint of it’s rootier ilk” – Eoghan Lyng, We Are Cult
“Cool To Be Kind is a must-have album which helps us forget the pandemic and lust after the days where this amazing new band can deliver their songs live” – Kevin Cooper, UK Music Reviews
“Such a brilliant night, so good to hear that brilliant album played live – Thank you” – Donna Maria Lean
“Absolutely smashed it out of the room, those songs took on a whole new dimension live, can’t wait to see you again” – Steven Kerry
“Fantastic night.. Want to do it all again.. Albums fantastic.. Thank you Sunbirds” – Linda Lloyd
Once the live music scene was again healthy enough to sustain itself, Sunbirds hit the road with a short run of dates in December 2022 with their now expanded 6-piece band. The audience reaction vindicated to the band what they felt they had. Fast forward to the here & now and Sunbirds continue to develop at a pace. Currently in its finishing stages, the next album, A Life Worth Living will be released later this year. Featuring ten brand new songs it marks another step in the continuing evolution of the band’s sound. Meanwhile the band will once again hit the road from early October through to December. Sunbirds truly love what they do and this much is evident in their stellar live shows. Catch them while you can.