They covered Kate Bush, had a series of hits, fell out with their record company, 'disappeared' and now The Futureheads are back.

ROSS Millard, guitarist and vocalist with Sunderland's finest, The Futureheads, is clearly excited about the band's current tour and forthcoming album.

"To be honest, it's like starting out with our first record again," he said.

Having first come to prominence with their self-titled debut album and a hit single in the shape of Hounds of Love, The Futureheads developed a growing fan base with their live shows, released a second album, News and Tributes, and then seemed to be destined for obscurity after their record company dropped them.

Now after 12 months away from the music scene the band are back, with an album due out on their own label and the spark has clearly returned.

"We're getting the show back on the road," said Ross.

"Initially we are going on a tour which takes in the universities so it will be smaller venues including Preston's 53 Degrees).

"Our problems with our record company are well documented but now I think is the first time that we all feel totally satisfied with what we are doing."

The band will release a new album in May which has a spikier, punkier feel on which they worked with the celebrated producer Youth.

"He invited us over to work with him in Spain for three weeks and we thought we might get eight or so tracks done in that time," said Ross.

"He said we'd be doing 20 which was a challenge.

"His approach is so professional, there isn't time for anything other than work.

"There were a few handbags at times but he has changed our approach to music."

Some of the new songs will be given an airing on the tour but Ross had good news for the diehard fans.

"We'll be playing a bit of everything," he said.

"You can't play a sert of all new songs and expect people to really enjoy themselves.

"The main point of a live show is that people have a good time.

"This tour is quite small and low key and is a chance for the fans who have stuck with us to get up close.

"That's a tremendous adrenalin rush for us to see the energy that an audience can create and we're really looking forward to that feeling of having played in front of a crowd again as it's nearly a year since we really played live."

  • The Futureheads play 53 Degrees, Preston, on Wednesday January 23. Details from the box office on 01772 893 000.