PULSE - music and more, with Simon Donohue

THE Milltown Brothers are back and, according to lead singer Matt Nelson, the band are "really up for it."

With a clutch of new songs and Steve Taylor replacing James Frazer on bass, the group are hoping their date at the Burnley Mechanics in August will be a springboard back to the big time.

Last year's gig at the Mechanics confirmed that they still had a good fan base in the area.

Matt said: "It was important for us that we all enjoyed it."

So last month, away from the spotlight of London and the North West, they performed a trial set at Brighton's Concord with another band, Top Loader.

The low-key gig in front of a 250-strong crowd left no doubt in the mind of the singer, who said: "It went so well we're now really looking forward to the Mechanics. "This year should be a lot better, as the band have had more time together."

Of the eight new songs which have been penned this year, Matt says: "They are bright pop tunes written in the Slinky style."

The confident frontman, who is about to enter his final year of a course at the London College of Fashion, said: "This year's set will be a mix of new material and the hits.

"It is important for the band not to become a cabaret act."

Keyboard player Barney Williams has been given an open-ended deal with the band. Being the only member not based in the London area makes rehearsal difficult but Matt said: "Barney will be welcome to join the lads whenever he chooses."

Looking beyond the Mechanics, the Milltowns plan three or four gigs in London, then a real push towards a deal.

But this is a level-headed approach.

Matt said: "It wont be like Echo and the Bunnymen - signed straight away.

"We'll have to really graft for it."

So with the band's ambition clear and music scene still buoyant, perhaps Colne's finest musical export can reach for the heights again.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.