A POPULAR band will be returning to a pub for an evening of atmospheric music and fan-favourite covers.

Three-man band the Rural Outcasts are locally renowned for their high-energy rock and groove gigs.

They will return to the Carpenters Arms, Maldon, on Thursday, March 19 to blow audiences away with another emotion-packed and enthusiastic performance.

The band, from Essex, was founded in 2015 and have played more than 500 gigs all over the UK since then.

They are best known locally for their pub gigs, packed with “emotion” and “pure musical quality”.

Fronted by Maldon’s very own Dan Fraser, whose vocal abilities are said to be the “source of many stories”, the band offers powerful vocals with support from bass player and vocal partner Jaz Powell.

Oli Dowling, another of Maldon’s own, completes the line-up on drums.

Together, the three “fine musos” are a live band not to be missed.

Frontman Dan said: “Oli and I had played in a previous band and we decided to form a new, better band.

“We knew Jaz as we had recorded with him. When he heard we were looking for a bass player he asked to join – and the rest is history!”

Dan added: “Maldon could do with more pubs doing music.

“As for our gigs, no word of exaggeration – our audience truly love us!”

A Carpenters Arms sokesman said: “They have been a staple band of ours for nearly four years now, and routinely draw a good response.

“They keep their set lists fresh and unique, and often change the style to keep each gig special.

“We decided to keep this monthly as live music in Maldon is very important, and as a small pub we can only have a certain amount and at a certain volume.

“We found that Rural Outcasts were able to provide a great service and be flexible to anything we asked for.

“They are extremely easy to deal with and great people, willing to engage with the locals and keep everything interesting.”

The show will run from 8pm until 10.30pm. The trio play the Carpenters Arms on every third Thursday of the month.

They will also be playing Maldon’s Little Ship Club on Friday, March 27.