EZIO, the ballsy band who in their early days sold out Shephard's Bush Empire without a record deal or a manager, are heading north.

The band, who pin their acoustic sound somewhere between Jeff Buckley and outfits put together by phone polls and text votes, play at Allithwaite next month.

Cambridge-based Ezio are Ezio Lunedi, vocals/guitar; and Mark Fowell, guitars.

The duo met up in 1990 and played relentlessly around the country, putting on their own sell-out show in Shephard's Bush and busking to shoppers and record company receptionists until, finally, a label pricked up its ears and snapped them up.

Now with their fourth album under their belts The Making of Mr Spoons the band is signed to BMG and has doubled in size to include Peter Van Hooke on drums and Lidia Cascarino on bass.

Ezio, who have supported the likes of Joan Armatrading and Les Negresses Vertes, head to the Guide over Sands on October 21 as part of their British tour.

For more information, call 015395-33792.