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Bermuda band winning fans in UK

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Showing resilience: Tracey Lynne’s vocals have been described as strong and powerful. Photo by Kevin Eisenlord/ Pandemic Photography

No doubt about it, Bermuda’s Sonique Sanctuary is a band on the run.

And having sprinted to a leading position in the local music scene in recent years, the progressive rock trio is now embarked on a marathon quest for international exposure.

Comprised of singer-songwriter Dr Tracey Lynne Harney, drummer Nick Wadson and guitarist Oliver (Ace) Cepeda, Sonique Sanctuary’s self-released EP Resilience this month received a rave review from Britain’s Ravenheart Music.

Ravenheart, which specialises in promoting and publicising female-fronted rock and heavy metal acts, said the Bermuda band displayed “a high level of musical technical proficiency” and the five tracks on its EP represented “very well done progressive rock — deep and dark music, in-fact, that relates to human experiences”.

“Dr Harney likes to call it ‘concious rock’ and maybe she is right,” continued the Ravenheart critic. “All the tracks here are technically perfect with a spoken intro to each track from Tracey Lynne.

“There is great musicianship throughout from the band. This is progressive rockers heaven!”

Formed in 2011, Sonique Sanctuary officially released its debut EP in July, 2014 at a launch party held at Front Street’s Taste 141 restaurant and bar.

“Resilience’s final track, which so happens to be the title track to this EP, is possibly the most commercial number here, but they are all good,” concluded the Ravenheart reviewer. “Tracey Lynne’s vocals are strong and powerful and really drive this music along together with the band.

“This is worth looking into if you feel this music is up your alleyway, ‘cos it should be ,,, and furthermore, a full length album is in the pipeline.”

Ravenheart gave Resilience an overall 8.75 score out of a possible ten points.

This is the second time the global media spotlight has shone on Sonique Sanctuary in as many months.

In December, the internet radio station MuseBoat, which champions emerging international bands, featured Sonique Sanctuary’s track Anomaly on its popular Sunday night show MuseBridge.

The Island also enjoyed some unexpected promotion as a result when the show’s DJ decided to highlight the band’s country of origin.

After Sonique Sanctuary’s song was played to a global audience, Las Vegas-based MuseBridge host TJ gave listeners an extended rundown of Bermuda’s natural beauty, fascinating history and culture.

“I wasn’t expecting it at all because there were a bunch of new bands from all over the world on that show and she only goes into detail about one group’s home each week,” said lead singer Dr Harney at the time. “She mentioned stuff I didn’t even know. She talked about our whole history, how we were founded and why it is called the Devil’s Isle. She mentioned the unique laws and how pristine it is here.

“She must have done some research: she really made us look good and helped put us on the map.”

Host TJ said she enjoyed Sonique Sanctuary because the band “broke the mould and decided to be more progressive”.

“They put their heart and soul into their music,” she added. “What’s not to like?

“When I saw we had a [band] from Bermuda, I thought it would be a great time to research the Island.

“I have never been to Bermuda but, after researching, I would love to visit. The Island is looking out over the reefs and a peek at the rich and famous sounds so enticing.”

Terrific trio: Sonique Sanctuary comprises, from left, drummer Nick Wadson, guitarist Oliver (Ace) Cepeda, and singer-songwriter Dr Tracey Lynne Harney. Photo by Kevin Eisenlord/ Pandemic Photography