A band with a short Fuse

Ed Fortune catches up with a band that is going to take the South of France by storm

Fuse have been darting in and out of the Bucks music scene for the past year or so, displaying an original brand of traditional Brit-rock to local music lovers.

When I caught up with the band and asked them about music, gigging and the South of France.

Russell Leak, lead guitarist and the band's front man, explains: "This year we'll be promoting our new single, 'Can I', from our album Goodweird."

The single sounds great- which is not surprising considering it's been produced by Andy Withmore, whose past triumphs have included work with Terence Trent D'arby and Louise.

Of course, it's not much good having a single unless you've got a plan in place to get it out there and promote it, but Fuse have a plan for that as well: "We're going to Cannes in the South of France and shopping for a music deal at the Midem Festival. It's kind of an all industry music exhibition. All the live promoters, record companies and small label people will be there. Hopefully we'll find something that is going to suit us."

If their track record is anything to go by, self-promotion will not be a problem for these guys. A hectic schedule has seen them rocking the White Horse as well as maintaining a high profile gigging at most of the capital's top venues.

"We really enjoy playing small venues like London's Kashmir Club. It's a great little venue and the audience are really responsive. It's nice and intimate. We've played venues like the Astoria, of course, but you get a better atmosphere at smaller places like the White Horse and the Kashmir Club."

In keeping with many of the new Brit-rock bands, Fuse have their own distinct style which is a far cry from that of safe American Rock bands like Slipknot and Linkin Park.

He said: "It's got to a stage where most of them are second rate Rage against the Machine clones. I think we have an original sound. We've got an original sound with influences from the Foo Fighters to Abba.

"Record companies always want to play it safe, and who blames them -it's their money -but I think it's important for people to be original."

Fuse are playing the White Horse, West Wycombe Road, High Wycombe on Saturday February 9.

To find out more visit Fuse's website at www.fuseweb.co.uk.