Hailing from the dizzy heights of Ormskirk, (near Liverpool), this Northern four-piece raised psychedelic guitar hell and really played up to the buzz that has been propelling them over the past year.

Signed to Oxford label, Shifty Disco, the band have already released two singles and are working on their first album.

Credited with two Radio One Peel sessions and holders of a coveted place in the latter's January 'Peelennium' anthems, Monkey Steels The Drum are yet another sign that new order guitar rock and pop punk is once again speedily rocketing towards chart recognition.

With their African myth-inspired name, Monkey Steels the Drum are a concoction of frenzied guitars, mad bass rythms and loud drums. They play hard and fast, swivelling between pacy and melodic to bashing, ear-popping, anger-fuelled grunge/punk rock.

Virgins to the Oxford gig scene, the band were received nonetheless by a stunned, appreciative audience at The Cellar Bar in Oxford earlier this week, all heads bouncing and jigging away on the spot, too shy to blatantly jump around screaming to the thrashing guitars and jazzed up bass rythms. One song had Phil Lee, guitarist, twisting and writhing as he delivered a thoroughly soul-burning solo. Drumming by Angela Walker was funky and persuasive while the vocals were feisty and shouty although perhaps not loud enough.

Despite having had their van and equipment stolen in London recently, these talented scousers are back on track and will be returning to the Oxford Zodiac on the June 9, supporting local veteran cult band, Nought.