‘Just like Jekyll and Hyde, Assembly Lane can flip personas at the drop of a hat […] their arrangements of traditional and contemporary material from both sides of the Atlantic effortlessly blend ancient ballads and progressive bluegrass in an exciting and effortless way.’ [Maverick Magazine]
The four Newcastle-based musicians who make up Assembly Lane are thoroughly immersed in the shared musical dialogues of the British Isles and North America, and their ‘Nashville meets Northumberland’ approach is evidenced throughout their debut album 'NORTHBOUND', released to universally positive reviews in November 2017. The band's winning combination of rich vocal harmonies and instrumental flair subsequently took the UK folk and Americana festival circuits by storm and continues to captivate audiences across the country. Assembly Lane’s long-awaited second album (currently in the works) adds fresh, expansive soundscapes to their core approach and is due for release in late 2021.
‘Assembly Lane are one of the best and most interesting new groups on the UK folk scene at the moment. All four members are highly accomplished and tasteful musicians and their intricate yet unfussy arrangements of traditional and original folk tunes and songs successfully blend the traditions of the British Isles and USA without compromising either - a rare achievement.’
– Laura Carrivick (The Carrivick Sisters, Cardboard Fox, Midnight Skyracer)
'At Assembly Lane's performance at 2017's Wilderness Festival, we were treated to breathtaking improvisations, tight tune playing, stunning singing and elegant arrangements that displayed a deep respect and understanding of traditions from each side of the Atlantic. Matt Ord and Niles Krieger's distinctive lead vocals brought to life intriguing tales of love, the foibles of various preachers, drinking, cowboys, prison work and disasters at sea. Assembly Lane are an outstanding group of musicians who are full of energy and passion. They have created a sound that is exceptional. Go and see them live - you will not be disappointed.’
– Shona Mooney (The Shee, Monster Ceilidh Band)
Matthew Ord
// Guitar/Vocals
Matt is the band's guitarist and primary vocalist, mixing emotive singing with virtuosic flatpicking and fingerpicking. He is a skilful arranger and interpreter of traditional ballads, and has a passion for old-time Appalachian music which he plays on fiddle and clawhammer banjo in addition to guitar. He also performs with Topic Records artists Rachael McShane and the Cartographers and is a dedicated researcher of ideology and musical practice in British folk and popular music.
‘An extraordinary musician’ - Olivia Chaney, songwriter and musician
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Niles Krieger
// Fiddle/Vocals
Born and raised in the Northeastern USA, Niles moved to the UK in 2011 and has consequently developed a unique approach to his instruments (fiddle, viola, mandolin and guitar) that hybridises influences from both sides of the Atlantic. He has lent this style to many live and studio projects as an in-demand session musician. As a full-time member of UK bluegrass stalwarts The Often Herd, Niles has toured the length and breadth of the British Isles and has appeared at several prestigious bluegrass festivals throughout Northern Europe. When not performing, Niles can often be found teaching music at community centres and leading workshops at festivals.
Tom Kimber
// Mandolin
Originally from Bath, Somerset, Tom reached the final stage of the BBC Young Folk Awards before moving to Newcastle in 2011. He is most often found playing his treasured Davidson F5 mandolin, but he is a devotee of many other fretted stringed instruments including cittern, mandola, tenor banjo and tenor guitar. Tom is also a prolific composer, drawing influences from a remarkably wide range of styles. In addition to his work with Assembly Lane, Tom is a member of the award winning folk sextet, Pons Aelius, and is an in-demand session musician and teacher.
Bevan Morris
// Bass
Bevan, raised in Lincolnshire, is held in great regard for his skill, creativity and groove craft on double bass, electric bass and guitar. At home in nearly any genre, Bevan is an undeniably dynamic and versatile member of any band. In addition to playing with Assembly Lane, Bevan is a full-time member of Pons Aelius and has performed live and in the studio with the likes of Eddi Reader, Blue Rose Code and Dallahan. All the time spent in this environment has given Bevan a taste for audio production, which has seen him take on more work as a freelance producer/engineer in recent years, especially as head of audio at Ookpik Productions.