LEFTFIELD Pendle band Transelement are set to celebrate the release of their second album with their biggest show to date.

Headlining at Colne Municipal Hall next Friday night, the quartet are still revelling in the critical acclaim generated by their latest work, Pendletones.

But lead singer Jay Stansfield today revealed that the album might never have happened but for a freak twist of fate.

Having been booked to play what they thought was a paying pub gig, they were surprised to find they'd actually entered a Battle Of The Bands competition.

Taking it on, the experimental outfit duly won the event and were delighted to given studio time at Pendle Hawk Music as the prize.

Jay said: "It all happened by default really. But when we realised we were going into the studio, we just decided there and then to do the next album."

Using the finished product as a promotional tool, it wasn't long before a number of small labels were queuing up to release it.

Finally opting to sign a one album deal with Soviet Records, the group have been shell-shocked by the rave reviews from the national media.

Jay said: "The response to the album has been amazing. Things like this don't seem to happen to bands around here. But we are really proud of it and I think it's perhaps a bit more consistent than the last one. When we did Sourblaster, it was all home recordings written over several years but Pendletones has a flow running through it. I think the fact that all the songs were written around the same time definitely helped."

Looking ahead to next week's gig, the band are looking to put on a special show but the singer is giving little away.

Jay said: "It's the biggest gig thing we've ever done around here and a lot of thought and planning has gone into it. We want to put on something more than our usual live show."

With a short UK tour also booked, along with TV interest, things have never been better for the lads, who are about to celebrate 10 years on the local scene.

Jay said: "It's been hectic recently but well worth it. But it's also a bit strange really because all the things you dreamt about as a kid are finally happening and it's a bit overwhelming in a good way."

Transelement play at Colne Municipal Hall on Friday March 28 tickets are £5 in advance or £6 on the night. Support comes from local bands Crowbar Smile, Antimony and 3 Ways West.