FOUR of Inverclyde’s finest young musicians have joined forces to form a new band.

Kartel is made up of ex-The Beat Movement pair Mark Maclean and Chris McEwan alongside Jamie Reilly and Jordan Kelly, formerly of The Blue Lenas.

They are hosting a launch party at Audio in Glasgow on Saturday July 1 packed full of top live acts.

Band manager Barry McIlvogue said: “This is a great musical progression for the boys forming a new band and a very exciting time for the new music scene.

“There’s been a real buzz since the announcement.

“I’m very happy to be managing them and very much looking forward to going on the road with the band.”

The guys have already performed live together, warming up for their official debut in none other than the legendary

Liverpool venue regarded as the birthplace of The Beatles.

Kartel performed at both the world-famous Cavern Club and Cavern Pub last month as part of the International Pop Overthrow Festival.

Barry said: “We did the festival on the down low as we hadn’t launched the band as yet.

“They played with bands from all over the world and the reception to their music was amazing.

“We have many music friends in Liverpool so news that the boys were playing spread fast, which made for very busy gigs.

“The guys have been in the studio over the last month recording their debut EP, which they will release on all digital platforms for free next month.

“They’re sounding incredible and we plan to announce a UK tour soon.”

But up first is next month’s gig and there will be an added Inverclyde flavour to it with Port Glasgow singer songwriter Jack Vize also on the bill.

Barry said: “The boys are buzzing about the launch party in Glasgow.

“Audio is a great venue and we have an amazing bill of very talented musicians joining us on the night.

“Jack Vize will be opening the night.

“He has been playing the Clutha Kids Charity days recently and performing at King Tut’s.

“It was important for us to have a local musician on the bill and offer a platform for his music and show support of local artists.”

Completing the line-up is Glasgow band The Bar Dogs, who have recently released their debut album, and Glasgow musician Carly Connor and her band.

Carly has previously toured with Paulo Nutini and, in between her busy touring schedule, is soon to release new songs she is currently working on in the studio.

There will also be DJs on throughout the night.

Entry costs £6 on the door and a bus will be leaving Cheers Bar in Greenock at 6.30pm sharp and returning at 1am.
It’s £8 for a return ticket.

For more information about the band and to reserve a seat on the bus visit the Kartel Facebook page.