THE BOND are a musical collective facing a dilemma.

They prefer to be surrounded by a mysterious veil of secrecy, yet their talent and sound mean the shield of anonymity could soon be shattered.

Hailing from Blackburn and beyond, their sound might be described as intelligent ambient music, utilising vocals, synthesizers and real instruments.

They have spent the last six months shut away in their own studio but now they have finally decided to break the silence and reveal their unique sound, "bonding" a nucleus of musicians with vastly different musical tastes, style and influence. "The band didn't go and see any groups for the entire time they spent in the studio," said their manager.

"Then, three weeks before they were due to play their first live performance, they went to see quite a few.

"They realised that their work was vastly different to anything else that was around.

"They now know they have either got things very wrong - or very right."

The group know that they could have capitalised on the nearby music city of Manchester but say they prefer to break their teeth in East Lancashire, an area where they are less likely to be prejudged.

I went to see the band's debut at an intimate Blackburn venue. Personally speaking, I could spot several influences, including Factory Records bands like the Durrutti Column and perhaps A Certain Ratio.

But The Bond definitely have something of their own. Live, theirs is the type of holistic experience that might be expected of The Orb, but with real musicians, brilliant vocals and a bit of "go" about it. They admit that they might come over better as a CD experience and that is something they are currently working on, trying to create "a soundscape of melodies and rhythms".

The Bond might be a name you have to get used to - but it sums them up perfectly.

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