Fika Recordings present The Winter Sprinter 2026. Four nights and twelve bands - the perfect antidote to the January blues in the intimate surroundings of The Lexington.
Tickets from https://wegottickets.com/f/14489
BRITISH BIRDS
Hatched in 2023 via tape loops and cheap nylon stringed guitars, Chorley-based British Birds soar from the depths of psych-tinged melancholy to the heights of disco-doused dystopia and back. From within the precariously soundproofed walls of their inconspicuous makeshift arthouse they meticulously craft their sound; dedicating themselves to the whole craft from recording, producing and releasing their records, to screenprinting their merch.
Ellie’s grab-you-and-don’t-let-you-go basslines, Mikey’s thumping drums which cut like Keith Moon’s poltergeist and Emma’s earwormy synth and sweet n shriek harmonies bolster frontman Bobby’s cathartic vocals and staunchly stylistic guitar which jangles like Harrison’s inner demon. The four-piece have impressed fans around the country and beyond during tour support slots for The Lovely Eggs, Pale Blue Eyes and The Bug Club and their 3 live sessions for BBC 6 Music’s Marc Riley.
STEVEN ADAMS
Steven Adams is a "national musical treasure" (The Guardian) who fronted country pranksters The Broken Family Band throughout the 2000s before calling time on that band at the height of their success.
He's been ploughing his own furrow ever since, with multiple name changes (Singing Adams, The Singing Adams, Steven James Adams, Steven Adams & The French Drops), and a series of albums ranging from DIY indie rock, intimate folk and experiments in krautrock and politically-charged widescreen pop.
JESSICA’S BROTHER
Jessica’s Brother are a London trio comprised of songwriter Tom Charleston, Jonny Helm (drums, also of The Wave Pictures) and Charlie Higgs (bass). Channelling the spirit of the Brothers Grimm to create an otherworldly atmosphere, they weave their motley influences together making a rich and eclectic vision, with nods to Silver Jews, Jason Molina, Nick Cave, Richard Thompson and Neil Young. There are themes of joy, anger and silliness in a carefully crafted world with a colourful cast of characters.
The trio formed in October 2016. Jonny and Charlie worked together in a framing business and had often talked about collaborating in a band together. Fate intervened when Jonny’s girlfriend Jessica introduced him to her brother Tom, and they found a songwriter in waiting.
Weaving a variety of influences from jangly indie-rock to gothic country and contemplative psych folk, Jessica’s Brother create the sound of a band coming together and getting caught up in the rush of starting new and enjoyable. The instruments clamber over each other in a small room, with Helm’s distinctive drumming counterbalances the gothic guitar thrums and wailing violin. Already lauded by the likes of The Guardian (for their first ever gig) and the Saatchi Magazine (for their first single), the scene is set for a bright future.