The Sergeant Major

You might have thought the demand for bands that play radio friendly pop hits and whose members wear skinny jeans would be on the wane by now. After all, it's a full six years since the Libertines first entered the national consciousness, and even longer since the Strokes released their debut album. But you'd be wrong. Tune in to any radio station, or cast a quick glance at sell-out gigs across the country and the proof is there that landfill-indie, as its detractors have called it, is still all the rage.

To be fair to Sergeant, they are cut above the middling crap that regularly clogs up the airwaves. They owe a debt to The Beatles and The Byrds, rather than The Clash and the Gang of Four, and their power pop songs are far more pleasant on the ear than many of their contemporaries. This is probably due in no small part to their Glenrothes origins, an area which is known for steadfastly refusing to believe that Britpop ever died, and that Oasis ever stopped making good records.

They have quickly developed a loyal following, and sell out gigs wherever they play along the East coast. People further afield are obviously beginning to listen as well, as their recent barnstorming set at T in the Park proved. Recently signed to Mercury, Sergeant are a band on the rise. Their Liquid Room gig will serve to highlight their forthcoming debut album that comes out next month.

Sergeant play the Liquid Room on August 12th, 7:30pm. Tickets £9

http://www.myspace.com/sergeantmusic