AN INDIE-rock quartet from East Lancashire are on the brink of national glory after making it to the final of the 2008 Surface Unsigned Festival.

A New Breed of Monkey, whose members hail from Nelson and Burnley, have beaten off stiff competition, in the form of 11,000 bands from across the country, to be named as one of the 12 finalists in this year’s prestigious event.

After wowing 1,000 fans at the final of the Northern heat, at Manchester Academy last month, the budding rock stars are now set to perform at the grand final, at Birmingham Carling Academy on Saturday.

They will be playing for the chance to perform at the NEC Arena in Birmingham at the Music Live event in November, which will also see an appearance from former Guns n Roses guitarist Duff McKagan and Kerry King from Slayer.

The band, made up of brothers Matt and Joe Burke, their cousin Jordan Watson and Jamie Robinson, are one of four bands, chosen to represent the North of England at the national showcase.

The former SS John Fisher and Thomas More Roman Catholic High pupils, who are all big fans of Radiohead, The Smiths, The Cure and Kings of Leon, are looking forward to performing at the final and hope to secure a record deal in the near future.

Bassist Joe, 23, said: “I’m very confident of winning but you never know what might happen.

“We have as good a chance as anyone else — we know we’re good but it just takes time to get noticed sometimes.

“This competition isn’t just about winning because there will be record companies there and sponsorship up for grabs.”

The band, whose unusual name was thought-up by singer Matt some years ago, have performed at several local venues as well as at The Ritz, in Manchester and In The City Festival Fringe.

At the final each band will receive awards and sponsorships music equipment manufacturers Marshall, Tama, Daddario and Zildjian and various cash prizes will be on offer, with one band eventually being selected to play at the NEC arena.

A New Breed of Monkey are offering a transport and ticket package for fans wishing to support them in Birmingham.

Tickets, priced at £10, or £20 with return coach travel are available at www.anewbreedofmonkey.co.uk