A THURROCK indie rock band have been busying themselves on the south Essex and London music scene.

The Hooks are a five-piece who formed in April this year and already have an impressive CV.

The band consists of lead vocalist, Amy Clayton, 25, rhythm guitarist and principle songwriter, Justin Cartledge, 28, both of Grays, lead guitarist Paul Sowden, 25, of Brentwood, Dave Bettis, 29, of Rayleigh, on bass and singularly-named drummer Alex, of Wickford.

The band, who are influenced by the Foo Fighters, Oasis and Stevie Wonder, to name but a few, have played eight gigs to date and recorded a two-track demo.

Justin said: “After recording our first demo on July 5 and 6 we were lucky enough to get ourselves invited down to Phoenix FM, in Brentwood.

“Our demo was played and as a band we were interviewed by DJ Alex Fletcher. Since then, we’ve also had plenty of radio play on More Than Just Radio, with DJ Moonlights.

“As well as our singer, Amy, being interviewed on the show.”

The Hooks also won the Essex Rock Comp to play at the Bassment, in Dovercourt.

They are also going to be in the next issue of local magazine, Noisy.

Justin added: “Since October we’ve had to put gigging on hold, due to Alex our drummer going off around the world travelling.

“But she’s back in December and we’ve been busy penning new songs.

“We’ve got a string of gig dates booked up for next year already, and more are planned.”

Gigs lined up for 2009 include MusicTek, Dagenham, on January 31, the Barhouse, Chelmsford, on February 3, and the Bitter End, Romford, on February 7.

There are also London gigs at the Cavendish Arms on February 28 and Bedford Park on March 21.

To find out more and hear songs go to www.myspace.com/ hooksband