MEMORIES of Blackburn and beyond in the 1980s and 1990s have inspired a band’s new release.

Echoglass formed in 2016 in Blackburn with members Dean McKenna, Remmy, Bo, JJ and Fritz.

The band have just released their first multi-track EP, Stories From The North. Each song explores a period of North West history.

Dean McKenna, from the group, spoke about the history behind the indie pop-influenced music and what inspired them.

The 49-year-old said: “Each track draws upon the multitude of experiences and influences we had as kids in Lancashire.

“There were powerful musical influences from Factory Records, the Acid House scene which was big in Blackburn, alongside the exciting emergence of terrace casual street fashion.”

Dean said the album touches on old haunts such as Peppermint Place, the 1980s and 90s Blackburn nightclub, while the opening track Youth! recalls the football terraces of the same period.

He said: “Youth! is driven by pounding drums, thrashing guitars and the electric energy of life as a young football fan on match day.”

Earlier tracks like Little Harwood and Blackburn Boulevard also explore themes of the period in time and tell a story of life in the band’s hometown.

The band are grateful for support they receive from the public, as Dean said: “It’s thrilling to find out that anyone, anywhere wants to listen to your music.

“At the end of the day though, we are just Northern lads who like nothing better that sitting down with a pint, in a comfortable pair of our favourite Adidas Spezial trainers and watching Rovers grab three points.”

Acoustic songs recorded at intimate gigs in San Francisco and Detroit are also being planned to be released soon.

Echoglass are also inspired by Factory Records acts of the 1980s and 90s and the great Northern lyrical storytelling bands such as The Smiths and Elbow are renowned for.

Stories From The North is available on all digital platforms, and the cover photo was taken by Rob Bremner, a Northern photographer and cultural curator.