LONDON vocal harmony group The Overtones will play York Barbican on December 14 as part of their 22-date Christmas 2018 tour.

Promising "a night to remember", Lockie Chapman, Mike Crawshaw, Darren Everest and Mark Franks will be promoting their self-titled sixth studio album: their first as a quarter since the sudden death of fifth member Timmy Matley in April at the age of 36.

The Overtones' "signature old-school cool, modern vintage vibe and trademark vocal harmonies" can be heard on a collection of thoughtfully chosen covers and originals, in a tribute to Timmy that is a "celebration of everything the group has achieved together, a thank-you to their loyal and supportive fans and a statement of intent for the future".

"We are really proud of the new album and all it represents," say the smooth crooners, announcing its October 19 release. "Yes, there are obviously songs for reflection and even sadness, but there are also songs to put a smile on your face and get you up dancing.

"There’s a big mix of feelings and moods in this album, which was certainly a challenge to express but we’re so proud of what we’ve achieved. This album means the world to us and we want it to mean something to the listener too."

After selling more than one million records, The Overtones have linked up once more with producer Julian Hinton and engineer Simon Bloor to record I Say A Little Prayer; You To Me Are Everything; Save The Last Dance For Me; Stand Up; Teardrops; My Girl; Love Really Hurts Without You; By My Side; Rockin' Robin; Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow; Goodbye and Love Is In The Air.

Chapman, Crawshaw, Everest and Franks will be joined by their band on tour to perform songs from their latest release and favourites from their Top Ten-charting albums dating back to 2010's Good Ol’ Fashioned Love.

The Overtones last played York Barbican on their Christmas With The Overtones tour last December. Tickets for their December 14 return will go on general sale on Friday at 10am at yorkbarbican.co.uk and gigsandtours.com, on 0844 854 2757 or in person from the Barbican box office.

Charles Hutchisnon