TO celebrate the release of The Watchmaker’s Wife, Miranda Sykes and Rex Preston will be touring the UK throughout 2016, including a date at St Helen's Church, Alveston.

The Watchmaker's Wife is the brand new album from Miranda and Rex, and although not a parable of their personal lives, is most certainly a reflective, powerful and moving collection of tales of love and loss; some traditional and delivered in a way that maintains the dignity of the old songs; some original and with very modern arrangements; some are covers; all with a vibrant, immediate and edgy feel. The pair didn't set out to create an album with love and loss as a theme, but in the thick of it all, when they just sat back and let out what came naturally, that's what they got.

Rex for the first time showcases original songs alongside original material from Boo Hewerdine. Miranda and Rex are as dazzling as ever on their respective instruments – double bass and mandolin/bouzouki. The duo has kept things as honest as they dare to reflect their live performances. There are no guests; no four-part harmonies; no grand multi-tracked opuses; no bells and definitely no whistles. The songs shout very loudly for themselves with only a smattering of sharp and contemporary production gloss.

Well known for the last 11 years as a central component of Show of Hands, Miranda has an exquisite and spine-tingling voice, whilst Rex, with his exuberant and flamboyant playing style, has built a reputation as one of the finest mandolin players in the UK. The rare fusion of double bass & mandolin makes for one of the most exciting and powerful pairings on the acoustic roots scene. Miranda & Rex interweave lively original material with timeless, well chosen covers of both contemporary and traditional songs. Their backgrounds, as well as skilful instrumentation and warm engaging vocals have shaped their unique sound.

Miranda Sykes and Rex Preston play St. Helen’s Church, Alveston, on Thursday 21 April, starting 7.30pm Tickets £11 adv. Tel. 07973 496525 or visit www.wegottickets.com/event/349202. Alternatively, for more information, news and the latest tour dates, please visit www.sykespreston.com