Young rockers to perform at Corn Hall (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Young rockers to perform at Corn Hall

SIX of the youngest rock bands in Cirencester will be swapping homework for heavy metal when they star in a brand new talent showcase at the Corn Hall in Cirencester on Sunday.

The first Nuborn showcase comes to the Corn Hall on February 5, giving rock musicians of school age the chance to perform in front of a large audience.

Nuborn is the brainchild of Cotswold District Council Events' Officers Claire Newport and Rik Husdan, who had an encouraging response when they appealed for bands to take part.

The Cirencester event, which features youngsters aged 10 to 16, will be followed by two more in Fairford and Chipping Campden.

Rik said: "We were really impressed with the demo tapes we received from all the bands involved. They have a natural born talent to rock! It should be a great night."

The six young bands will take the stage for 20 minutes each as a warm-up for Cirencester favourites Morph, who headline the gig.

First up are Panic, a group of 13-year-olds who love music - especially rock - and promise to put their heart and soul into opening the event.

Following them are Spitfire, who have been together for 18 months and are ready to take the stage, led by Calum Vincent. Their influences include Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Trivium, and The Bloodhound Gang.

Split Legacy, next up, formed when frontman Alex Taylor and guitarist Murray Smart left their old band to join Ben Morris and guitarist Nick Messer.

They are now writing and recording their own music influenced by Led Zeppelin, Guns 'n' Roses and System Of The Down, so expect some hard-hitting rock.

They're followed by Hard-Drive, a rock band with their own style enjoying a huge variety of music from Metallica and Green Day to Seventies rock.

All these styles go in the pot to produce their own unique sound. Hard-Drive recently won the 'Driving Force' Jimi Hendrix Experience competition with their music and will want to show everyone why.

Pantha storm in next with their thrash metal sound. Expect some less powerful vocals to let the guitar solos take the main stage. Definitely a band for all those metalheads!

Salakin are a metal core band influenced by bands such as Killswitch Engage and Metallica, yet they still keep a unique style with their guitar work and vocal delivery.

Completing the line-up and headlining are Cirencester favourites Morph. Rik said: "Morph are popular with both young and old and are sure to put on a show that will energise the 'young guns' into reaching for more fame and glory!"

Doors open at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start. Tickets on the door only.