A band from Herefordshire is making a name for itself on the music scene after signing with an independent record label, Don't Tell Anyone in Bristol.

The psychedelic rock group Raptor started in 2014 and currently comprises brothers Kurt (guitar/vocals) and Adam Fletcher (drums) and Nick Osborne (bass). Originally from Leominster, they relocated to Bristol in 2017 to attend university. In early 2015, the band released its first offering simply entitled EP and showcasing their fuzz driven guitar grooves and hard-hitting drums. June 2017 saw the release of Raptor's double single Ultraviolet/Haight Street which has since received rave reviews from BBC Introducing Hereford and Worcester, Bristol Live Magazine, Bristol 24/7 and Rock Radio UK among others. Their electric performances won them acclaim from Scott Holiday (Rival Sons) and Verden Allen (Mott The Hoople) and allowed the band to open for Robert Plant, Mick Ralphs and Dr Feelgood. In May this year, the band signed to Don't Tell Anyone Records (DTA1).

"Alex Andrews, who runs Don’t Tell Anyone Records asked us to play a show with his band Stone Cold Fiction in Bristol this April and we got on great " explains vocalist Kurt Fletcher. "After meeting with him again, we started making plans. DTA1 is an independent label and is all about helping one another out. Alex put out King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard’s record last year and released our new single Dynamite (Is Freedom) in July this year."

After signing the deal, Raptor went into the studio to work on new material. "Recording our record has been some of the most fun we’ve ever had and we are extremely pleased with what we’ve done" said Kurt. "It was recorded at Bink Bonk Studios with a hybrid analogue and digital approach."

The first single, Dynamite (is Freedom), was released on July 31 and the album is expected to debut this autumn. The band will be touring at the end of September with concerts already booked in London, Manchester, Newcastle and Leeds.