The Polyphonic Spree may have only made their debut UK appearance last year, but things seem to have been on the up ever since.

The American band took part in the NME Awards celebrations this year , and are now set to play summer festivals and a short headline tour of England.

The 23-piece choral symphonic pop band could most certainly be described as unusual with so many members in the band.

Last June, The Polyphonic Spree made their live UK debut as guests of the Divine Comedy at David Bowie's Meltdown at the Royal Festival Hall.

The band had arrived in the UK that day and despite the jetlag and a power cut halfway through the set, the show has been described as "triumph."

Two years previously, in July 2000, The Polyphonic Spree had played their first show at Dallas's Gypsy Tea Room as support to good friends Grandaddy.

The show only came about due to the actions of one Chris Penn, now manager of the band.

For over a year, former Tripping Daisy singer (and good friend) Tim Delaughter had been talking about a "choral symphonic pop band" that he would one day assemble and create music with in the role of producer/director.

Having decided that Tim needed some help in making his idea a reality, Chris booked the slot and then informed Tim he had two weeks to find a band and get ready.

And so The Polyphonic Spree were born and Tim became the frontman for the band.

That first, 15-person show set wheels in motion and a three-day recording session came soon after. The band continued to find new members through friends and word of mouth and it was a 23-strong ensemble that took to the stage at 2002's South by South West Music conference in Austin, Texas.

The Polyphonic Spree's name then started to be heard in A&R circles. Catch them at Birmingham Academy on Tuesday, July 1.