ALTERNATIVE rock band Fretblanket are reuniting for two live shows to celebrate 30 years since signing a major label record deal.

The cult 90s band, who hail from Stourbridge, will also finally release their third album featuring songs originally recorded more than 20 years ago.

Fretblanket burst onto the UK music scene when the leading track from their first EP scored 'Single of the Week' in the NME.

At 17 years old, the band were wooed by multiple record labels before signing to Polydor in 1992.

The former school friends are gearing up for two reunion shows in London and Kidderminster and are putting the finishing touches to previously unreleased material.

Stourbridge News: Fretblanket in Stourbridge back in their heydayFretblanket in Stourbridge back in their heyday (Image: Fretblanket)

Singer Will Copley said: “With half the band resident in the US, rehearsal has been challenging.

"But we couldn’t be more excited about getting back on stage and in front of an audience”.

Fretblanket’s anthems proved a hit with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.

US tours saw the band performing with the likes of Radiohead, Weezer and The Black Crowes.

They also received airplay on MTV, with their track “Into the Ocean” receiving the highest marks ever awarded on the '12 Angry Viewers' show.

The band cites Pixies, Swervedriver, Public Enemy and The Wedding Present as influences.

Stourbridge News: Fretblanket signed to a major label back in 1992Fretblanket signed to a major label back in 1992 (Image: Fretblanket)

Guitarist Clive Powell said: “We had been writing songs together since we were 14 and were bombarded with musical inspiration through those formative years”.

“We set out to write songs with passion and power. That energy is still there, ready to go, as soon as we hit the first chord”.

Fretblanket will appear at The Lexington, Islington on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, and then at 45 Live, Kidderminster on Saturday, April 15 2023.

Tickets for the shows are available via the Fretblanket website. 

Their third studio album, 'The Distance In Between' is being finalised, ready for release to streaming services to coincide with the live dates.

Frekblanket are Will Copley (vocals/guitar), Clive Powell (guitar/vocals), Dave Allsopp (Bass), Matt Carey (Drums).