Liverpool bands upstaged by four lads from Nottingham

Hot new band The Swiines

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LIVERPOOL is without doubt one of the greatest music-producing cities in the world.

The Beatles made their name playing gigs at the famous Cavern Club and local acts such as The Wombats and The Zutons continue to score hits in the UK chart.

So it's no surprise that musicians across Britain are flocking to the city as they try to plant their names firmly among the rock'n'roll elite.

What is surprising however is the hottest unsigned band in the country right now originate from none other than Nottingham.

Hardly a hot-bed for music, Notthingham's days of producing classic bands seemed doomed when Paper Lace's hit "Billy Don't Be A Hero" was knocked of the number one spot in 1974.

But all that looks set to change thanks to indie band The Swiines.

Formed a year ago out of two groups: The Arcane and The Bets, the boys have built up a fan base so large, they've been able to perform to sell-out crowds in Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester and London.

The four lads, Scott Bugg (vocals/guitar), Tom Cookson (vocals/bass) , Adi Young (guitar) and Daniel Taylor (drums) were also handpicked to support Hertforfshire band The Subways - most famous for their song Rock & Roll Queen.

Their rise on the indie scene has been rapid - not bad for a group of blokes from Nottingham.

"The last 12 months have been a bit of a whirlwind," admitted bassist Tom.

"Touring with the Subways was an experience not to be forgotten and it just made everyone in the band realise what can be achieved.

"We formed from two different bands and it's always a gamble because you don't really know how things will go.

"But from day one the energy between us has been fantastic, we are just constantly writing songs and working on new material.

"We're not a manufactured brit-pop band, we have a more raw, rock and roll sound.

"It's a bit rough around the edges but that is exactly what we are aiming for and the fans seem to like it."

The boys have recently enjoyed a string of gigs in Liverpool, and guitarist Adi admitted it's important to showcase the bands talents in different cities.

Adi said: "We've built up a name for ourselves in Nottingham but it is important that we perform in other places and let people know about our music.

"Everyone knows Liverpool is a musical hot-bed.

"You can reel off a list of great bands who have originated from Liverpool so to be play here is an absolute honour.

"The reaction we have had has been fantastic, and we're hoping things get better and better once more people know about our music."

It's no surprise why these boys are taking the underground scene by storm.

Not since the Arctic Monkeys have the indie crowd taken to a band like they have The Swiines.

A raw energy on stage along with a catalogue of catchy songs such as My Plasticine Bowl and In The Bag, provide the perfect tonic for the skinny jeans brigade.

And with a lead singer cut from the same cloth as the likes of Alex Turner and Pete Doherty in his Libertines prime, The Swiines have the ingredients to be the UK's next big band.

"It's important to keep things fresh and make sure no two songs sound the same," says vocalist Scott.

"The fans seem to like what we're trying to do and that is what you make music for.

"Nottingham hasn't had a big band for a long time, but there is no reason why we can't change that."

The Swiines will be performing in Leicester's SHED venue on April 3.

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