ONE of the big names from last month’s Godney Gathering is in a battle for the number one album in this week’s official chart.

Yorkshire four-piece The Sherlocks thrilled music fans at Garslade Farm in Godney in July with tunes from their new album People Like Me and You and are now in a race for the top spot with nu-metal group Skindred and Irish songwriter Cian Ducrot.

In the midweek countdown, only 500 records separated the first three artists with The Sherlocks holding onto second place. The result will be announced on Radio 1 on Friday afternoon.

Frontman Kiaran Crook, his brother and drummer Brandon, lead guitarist Alex Procter and bassist Trent Jackson have been taking their new music to independent festivals and intimate venues around the country for more than three months.

“We are not just sitting on Twitter praying that people buy our album,” said Kiaran.

“We have been taking our sound to little pockets of the country, often where larger acts don’t often play.

“Everywhere has been rammed. People say we can’t believe you have come here.”

And as an independent band who are outside of the corporate music industry, Brandon says the support of fans is what counts.

Bridgwater Mercury: The Sherlocks played at the Godney Gathering in Somerset in July.The Sherlocks played at the Godney Gathering in Somerset in July. (Image: Rhona Murphy)

“We don’t have the television or radio exposure that acts on major labels do.

“We have grown through word of mouth, playing good tunes, and people bringing their mates along to the next gig,” he said.

“The success we have had as a band has a lot to do with playing independent festivals like Godney,” he added.

He explained that it is physical records and downloads that really count in the chart and not streaming, which needs thousands of listens to record the equivalent of one CD, vinyl or download sale.

It is now six years since The Sherlocks’ debut album Live for The Moment and 18 months since their third record, World I Understand, were both top ten hits.

In their 13 years as a band, as well as selling out their own headline shows, they have appeared at Glastonbury, toured in Europe with Liam Gallagher and supported Kaiser Chiefs on a UK arena tour.

“Whatever happens, the journey has been the best bit and we have enjoyed every moment,” said Brandon.

“I truly believe there is not a stage we could not walk on and play. We have climbed every step of the ladder from our own garage, pubs and academies to arenas and stadiums. We have done the groundwork.”

People Like Me and You by The Sherlocks is out now. More at thesherlocksmusic.co.uk. The Sherlocks headline O2 Academy Bristol on Thursday October 5.