STRANGE things have been afoot in one of Oxfordshire’s ancient woodlands.

Among the gnarled oaks and nettles, have been spied fresh-faced indie-kids in bright clothing – and rising above the rolling scenery of the Vale of White Horse, the unmistakable sound of math-rock and Afro-beat.

Yes, it can only mean one thing: South Oxfordshire guitar botherers Bright Works have been out on a field trip, heading into Badbury Clump woods, near Faringdon, to film a video for their single Houses.

Directed and produced by the band, and shot in one afternoon, the video sees the four lads from Wantage, Faringdon and Harwell messing around in the trees, pretending, for a large part, to be dead.

Houses, which Huw Stephens favourably compared to Oxford’s chief indie export Foals on his Radio 1 show in December, is a straight rock number, driven by a 1980s synth riff and jagged, plaintive vocals by singer Liam Amies, pictured, front, with guitarist Pete Hughes, about birds, bees and being in love – all of which makes it perfect Valentine’s Day fare.

Released on YouTube earlier this week, you can also hear the single, and previous Motown-flavoured offering  If You Have Any Sweet Nothings Whisper Them Now, on our MP3 showcase at oxfordmail.co.uk/ music – along with fresh songs from The Shapes and Silverface.

Listen to Houses on our MP3 showcase. Click here

  • If you want to see the boys in action, Bright Works play the Cellar, Oxford, tonight for the Turl Street Arts Festival launch party with The Manatees, Zander Sharp and the Monobrows, Afro Giraffe and Will Johnson.
  • Tickets costs £3 before 11pm. Bright Works play at 10.30pm.