The band – comprising Marlo [vocals], Ken Crotty [bass] and Fran Long [guitars] – play Whelan's on Saturday March 7.

The gig is timed to launch their new EP Grace, which features four tracks including the title track 'Grace' and the online chart hit 'Tea & Sympathy'. Other featured tracks include 'Black & Blue' – described by the band as dealing with "the exit route from an abusive relationship" and 'Broken Angel' ("an urban requiem for social change").

Torc have been championed by Tom Robinson, who has played the band's music on his BBC Radio 6 programme.

This is what the band have to say about themselves:
"Fusing influences from soul and funk to jazz and punk, Torc's distinctive sound blends the sultry tones of vocalist Marlo [Phoenix, Arizona] together with the pulsating bass backbone and soaring guitars of Ken & Fran [Dublin, Ireland]. The lyrics are a rogues gallery of the misunderstood, late night conversations with our darker selves, served with a pinch of humour for taste. Music that captivates and thrills in equal measure.

"So... if you find yourself pondering bold questions, seeking truths that turn down suspicious corners, peeking behind thick private walls which lead you around unsuspecting bends, you're in good company."

Which sounds more than alright to us...