FORDINGBRIDGE Town Hall will be the venue for the launch of local folk-pop band Eyes for Gertrude’s debut album Residential Bliss on Saturday evening.

“It’s a great place to debut the album in the south,” says Chantelle Pike, who fronts the band with Hannah Dean, “mostly to thank everyone who’s supported us locally. And it’s not far from my home on the Hants/Wilts borders, unlike most of our gigs.”

The support band is The Langfords – an innovative country and western group from Wiltshire that Chantelle and Hannah have long admired. It promises to be a brilliant night, but Residential Bliss will be the focus of the evening.

James Santer of BBC Introducing is one of their latest fans. His is one of the nationwide programmes showcasing up and coming musicians – and he premièred four of the band’s songs last week, now available on iPlayer.

He said: “This might be one of the best sessions ever. They are so, so good. “Their voices go together unbelievably, absolutely incredible harmonies – the songs are mesmerising.”

It’s been a successful year for Eyes for Gertrude. They debuted at Glastonbury, played on Radio 4’s Loose Ends and have already had other critics mentioning the powerful lyrics, arresting music and the combination of Chantelle’s strong clear voice and Hannah’s English rose huskiness.

The band also features local musos Christian Spreadbury on lead guitar, Chris Pedley on bass and Tom Horell on drums. Eyes for Gertrude videos showcase young British directors and have created a stir with their quirky narrative style, mostly shot round Salisbury and Rockbourne.

The two play guitar, piano, accordion, glock, trumpet and shakers and compose the songs – “Full-hearted songs about real things,” says Hannah – together. Residential Bliss contains six completely new tracks, all ten recorded with renowned producer Ben Mink – who also produced k d lang and other international stars.

Once he’d heard a demo tape he called Eyes for Gertrude immediately and offered to produce them.

“It’s been a long haul – but there’ve been some unexpected dividends,” says Chantelle. “Possibly our best moment last year was appearing on Radio 4’s Loose Ends and meeting Paul McGann from our favourite film, Withnail and I. Playing Larmer Tree near Salisbury. Oh, and sharing the same county as Dolly Parton at Glastonbury!”

Go to eyesforgertrude.com, email eyesforgertrude@gmail.com or go to facebook.com/eyesforgertrude to find out more.