Bristol's rising stars discuss their new EP, the beauty of the mundane, and why Greggs is the secret ingredient to musical success. Check out our latest Hype playlist cover feature.

Words: Stephen Ackroyd.
Photos: Seren Carys.

There's a theory in quantum physics about parallel universes - the idea that somewhere out there, there's a world where Britpop didn't wash up on the shores of its own excess, where guitar music still has a place at the head of the table, and where the champagne didn't eventually overpower the socialism. Saloon Dion might just be the proof that this parallel universe of evolved euphoria mixed with a modern sensibility exists - and that it's leaking into ours.

Saloon Dion - Dave Sturgess (vocals), Tom Simpkins (guitar/vocals), Taryn McDonnell (guitar/vocals), Luke Mullins (bass), and Ben Molyneux (drums) - are a band both out of their time, yet perfectly in sync with the zeitgeist. They're the musical equivalent of finding a time capsule, opening it up, and discovering it's full of perfectly preserved zesty citrus fruit. Their sound is a glorious mish-mash of eras, a testament to the enduring power of guitar music and the ever-evolving nature of British pop culture.

As we settle in for a chat about their new EP 'Where You'll Find Me', it's clear that Saloon Dion are riding high on a wave of creativity and camaraderie. The band's journey from lockdown project to potential festival darlings has been assured, but they wear their relative success lightly, with the easy charm of old friends who just happen to make music together.

"Yeah, it's been a great year so far," Tom enthuses. "We've been busy developing our sound, writing and recording a lot. Things feel good." It's a simple statement, but one that speaks volumes about the band's current state of mind. There's no hint of jaded rock star cynicism here, just genuine excitement about the music they're making.