IT’S been quite the year for rising electronic synth outfit Reclaim Vienna, who’ve just signed to Manchester label 42’s Records.

The six-piece, whose members hail from Winsford and Northwich, signed on the dotted line earlier this month and are set to release their new single Kick the Butterfly in September.

It’s an exciting time for the band formed from the ashes of Winsford’s popular Shakedown Stockholm who counted Johnny Marr and Alan McGee amongst their famous fans.

Following a reshuffle, core members of that band – twin brothers Danny and Ryan Smith (guitar/lyrics and drums, respectively), Harry Woodward (keys) and Ryan Harlow (lead guitar) – were joined by new frontman Jon Steen and bass player Paul Hill, and Reclaim Vienna was born.

A change of sonic direction ensued and a string of successful gigs plus the self-funded release of their single Paris put them firmly the line of vision of 42’s Records’ Andy Woods – former A&R man at Dead Dead Good, the label behind The Charlatans’ early releases which was celebrated in Northwich’s three-day Dead Dead Good music festival earlier this year.

Their sound is described as a blend of indie synth-wave or electronic pop music, blending synth loops with anthemic guitar hooks and stomping drumbeats.

“We want people to come alive to our music,” says singer Jon, who joined the band after being spotted via his Instagram page.

“It’s basically nightclub music with a pop twist due to the undeniable talent of our songwriter Danny. Big, catchy pop choruses with pulsating synth tracks – the kind of music you want to dance to.

“Comparisons have been made to New Order, Duran Duran and The Slow Readers Club, all of which I’d say are probably an influence but then again we’re all into different music individually.

“Apart from Oasis of course, but for how much they may have influenced the band in ways, we sound nothing like them musically, which is a good thing. Too many bands try or sound like Oasis these days.”

So, in an age where bands can self-publish and build up their audience on social media, what does it mean to have the backing of a respected record label?

“I think the fact that anyone can self-publish these days has its pros and cons. It allows more artists to put themselves out there and be heard on music platforms which is brilliant, however it also creates more competition and dilutes the market.

“I think being signed to the label gives us that next step up, a bigger platform to go from and really get these songs out there to a bigger audience and get on bigger stages, where I believe we truly belong.

“42’s Records are massively into our music, which is the main thing for us. They believe in us and will help back us and get our songs in their nightclub, on the radio and on physical product. They were the right label for us, and they are proper sound guys which is always a bonus.”

On this occasion, the physical product Jon refers to is a limited-edition seven-inch vinyl and CD which will be available alongside regular streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple music from Friday, September 13.

“It’s really exciting,” says Jon. “It’s amazing to hear our song played but to have that physical item in your hands is incredible.”

The band will celebrate the release of the with a single with a launch gig at the new Barons Quay Social in Northwich the following day, where they’ll also be selling their single and merchandise.

Those with tickets for the Northwich Festival can catch them on August 24 where they’ll be supporting Oasis tribute band Stop The Clocks, or the day after when they play Flixton Festival.