When Harry McVeigh met Jack Lawrence-Brown and Charles Cave, gigs at North Ealing Primary School became the "save-the-date" on everyone's calendars.

Google the names now and it's a bit of a different story.

Take this week for instance. MTV, Rolling Stone, BBC, and every other news channel or music website is reporting the excitement and anticipation of the boys' latest album, Rituals, out in January next year.

Under the name Fear of Flying, they played at London primary schools as teens. They grew up and White Lies now play at Radio 1's One Big Weekend and countless other UK festivals.

"I have to say I never thought we'd be coming to the UAE. That's for sure," said singer and guitarist Cave ahead of a DJ set at Dubai's Alpha Club tomorrow night.

"Jack and I started Djing as a way of staying connected with the music. It's different to performing live but still fun. Some of the best DJs in the world basically treat their equipment like instruments. It's not just about pressing play these days."

The English alternative rock band shot to fame when their debut album, To Lose My Life, made them the first British act to achieve a number one album spot in 2009.

At the beginning of 2009, White Lies featured in multiple "ones to watch" polls, including the BBC's Sound of 2009. They also picked up the 2009 BRIT Critics' Choice Award and the Q Magazine Best New Artist award in the same year.

Dark yet uplifting

Rituals is set to be released on January 17. The debut single, Bigger Than Us, from the 10-track album, produced by Alan Moulder (Smashing Pumpkins, My Bloody Valentine, Nine Inch Nails) will be released on January 3.

Their musical style is often described as dark yet uplifting by the media and critics alike. "We are aware our music isn't exactly easy listening so the DJ thing allows us to have some fun with our fans too," said Cave.

"Playing live will always be the best for us. But the great thing about DJ-ing is that you have options. When you play a gig you have no choice but to play the music you do and the fans are there for that. But when you DJ you can read the crowd and play whatever is working for them. You can mix it up and it's always a challenge to keep people on the dance floor. Expect some fun in Dubai people."

Don't Miss it

Charles and Jack of White Lies play at Alpha Club, Le Meridien Dubai, Friday from 10pm until late. Brunch-goers, don't be shocked if the boys give a sneak preview of a few of their latest songs acoustic-style as the night gets going.