AN OSWESTRY-based folk band are gearing up to release their debut album.

Burning Salt, described as poetic, raw and alive are a dark and haunting trio of voice, guitar and double bass in the vein of PJ Harvey, Nick Cave and Tom Waits.

The group will be releasing their album, Automatic Lullaby, on Friday, May 24 at Hermon Chapel in Oswestry at 8pm.

"How do I feel?" said Hannah. "I'm not sure I've taken a moment to reflect on that.

"To be honest I think I feel honoured. If it wasn't for the encouragement and support of the band and my friends the album wouldn't exist. And in turn our audiences who have been so open in their appreciation of what we've put together.

"It's a very beautiful thing to have musicians invest in my songs, and have people connect with them.

"Other than that I just hope people like it! We've been working on it a long time, so I'm more than ready to set it free into the world.

"After the launch at the Hermon I will start planning how to record the next album, which I've already written."

Burning Salt will also be joined by the Shrewsbury based writers' collective, Secret Salon, who will be reading from their newest publication.

'Early bird' tickets to the event are £8, or £10 on the door.