Forres group Be Like Pablo are playing The Carlton Hotel with Tony Hawk’s Pro Soundsystem

A local indie band that has performed at the biggest festival in the north of Scotland is returning to its roots on the weekend after next.

‘Power pop’ five-some, Be Like Pablo (BLP), are lining up alongside covers specialists Tony Hawk’s Pro Soundsystem at The Carlton from 7pm on Saturday, April 26.

BLP lead singer and guitarist, Ewen Watson, is looking forward to more hometown shows, having toured latest album ‘A World Apart’ across the north last summer.

He said: “Last year’s went really well! A particular highlight was playing on the main stage at Belladrum. It was a great experience and we were delighted to play in front of such a big crowd.

“Our other three shows were also great. We hadn't played Forres in a long time so three different gigs there in a short period of time was really cool! Playing at Forresfest at Mosset Park was amazing and we launched the album at The Carlton, which was really successful.

“We are delighted to be coming back to The Carlton again with our good friends Tony Hawk's Pro Soundsystem. Our friend Dan Juice - a successful DJ in Edinburgh - will also be DJ-ing.”

BLP formed in 2010 and have since released two albums, seven singles and eight music videos to critical acclaim. Their sound has been compared to nineties American rock band Weezer.

Ewen is also a big fan of their support act.

“I can't say enough good things about Tony Hawk's Pro Soundsystem,” he said. “They play music from the Tony Hawks computer game series - a lot of classic skater punk songs that get everyone jumping around!

“They have an incredible stage show with lots of energy. It compliments our music really well so we love playing with them.”

Both bands are keen to play The Carlton again.

“Some of the first gigs we played in early our careers were at The Carlton so it's a blast from the past whenever we play there!

“It has a great atmosphere. The last time we played, we performed our new album in its entirety so this time, we're looking forward to throwing in some older songs from our back catalogue.”

Sales of BLP’s latest album are “going really well”.

Ewen finished: “We've been selling our new vinyl at our shows and online. We also sell them in Sound and Vision in Elgin and HMV Inverness.

”We actually got to play in HMV Inverness recently which was fun and we will be performing in Aberdeen HMV in June.”

Tickets for The Carlton are available via www.tinyurl.com/pabloandtony. For more information visit www.belikepablo.com.