Young rock band Beyond the Break are an up and coming, fresh new sound hitting the teenage music hotspots.

The band consists of five members – drummer Dan Waldron, lead guitarist Killian Scott, bass/backing vocals Will Brittain, rhythm guitar Tom Prosser and lead singer James Wood.

All the boys are in year 11 at a variety of schools, including The Ridgeway School, Wootton Bassett School, Isambard School and Greendown Community School.

Because all the boys go to different schools they manage to get more gigs.

The band got together all the way back in 2008 at Swindon’s Rock School and have grown stronger and stronger over the few years they’ve been together.

They have played at many local concerts over the past year and even had the chance to work with Swindon’s BeatBullyz!

Beyond the Break participated in Swindon Talent ’10. Unfortunately they didn’t win, but they did go down well with the crowd and the judges.

Judge Dave King, editor of the Swindon Advertiser, said: “They were brilliant and gave a blinding performance.”

Music obviously runs in the family as both Dan and Killian have dads that are in a band. Beyond the Break say their influences are bands such as You Me at Six, All Time Low and Funeral for a Friend.

They play a variety of music, from easy listening through to punk and rock.

In 2010 alone they played at places such as The Platform, The Big Screen, Wroughton Carnival, Big Arts Weekend, The Black Horse Pub, The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon Arts Centre, Isambard School, Wootton Bassett School, Riffs Bar and Purton Village Hall.

As a close friend of Dan Waldron’s, I can see how passionate he is about his music and his band.

I can see his drive and determination and I can see how much this means to him.

He’s been into music his whole life and it certainly shows. If the rest of the band is as determined as he is, then Beyond the Break will certainly go far.

They’ve got Facebook and Myspace sites if you’re interested in learning more about them, checking out their music or to find out where their next gig is.

I’ve attended many of their gigs, but for me, one of the best was their gig at The Black Horse Pub in Wanborough, where they participated in a Battle of the Bands contest.

The evening was amazing and the atmosphere was awesome. Beyond the Break was, by far, the best band there. They got the audience clapping and singing along and it was a thoroughly good night.

After their performance the band members went around chatting and talking to people, showing what friendly teenagers they are, and then everyone just sat around talking and having a laugh.

It was a fantastic night, and if they can already get that reaction from the crowd when they’re 15 imagine what they’ll be like in a few years time.

This band is certainly going places, and I’d say they’re going there soon.

Swindon Advertiser: Blob By Hannah-Leigh Bain, 15, The Ridgeway School