MERCURY music prize nominated for their debut album, Turin Brakes have plugged in the guitars and put to bed their acclaimed acoustic style.

Once herded into the trendy new acoustic movement -- which boasted such names as Elbow, I Am Kloot and Kings of Convenience -- their new approach is less of a kick against the system than might have first been thought.

Singer Olly Knights said: "It was very natural step for us. The new songs just felt more uptempo and rockier, so electric guitars best suited the material."

Following guidance from album producer Tony Hoffer, Olly and his co-writer and member Gale Paridjanian relocated to studios in Los Angeles.

And having taken two years to write the material the pair found the time in the studio something of a breeze.

Olly said: "It's a very immediate record because we recorded the whole thing in weeks. And because we recorded it live we really went for it and that helped capture the spirit of the album."

He added: "It really blew me away just how well it turned out and that you can make an album of this quality so quick. Because even though it is very electric there is still a lot of detail in there."

Joined on the road by Manchester's ever impressive, I Am Kloot, it's an addition to the tour that will almost guarantee great shows night after night.

Olly said: It's going to wonderful to play with such a fantastic band. They really deserve to have achieved more success."

Turin Brakes play Manchester Academy on February 28, Liverpool University on March 1 and Lancaster Sugar House on March 2.