A BLACKBURN four-piece are hoping for big things after being invited to London to audition for a showcase which could set them on the road to fame and fortune.

The news that Scenario could soon be watched by A&R men from some of the country's top labels is a massive boost for the group who have had a difficult summer. Last June, the then five-piece left Blackburn College and thus lost access to free slots in the college recording studios.

Then, last month, two of the members dropped out of the band altogether, leaving the remaining three worried about the future.

But the arrival of new guitarist Jon Rhodes has helped the group retain their original sound, which bass player Andrew McCrimmon describes as an advancement of the sound pioneered by the likes of 80s group China Crisis.

Several high-profile summer time gigs, including a performance at Blackburn's Arts in the Park festival in July, has helped the group on.

Paul Davies on vocals and Matt Berry, drums, complete the group.

Andrew said: "Things are going well for us now and the chance to go to London is a real boost for us. We had sent off our demos and often you can send 10 and get just one letter back which says thanks but no thanks.

"But they liked our sound and they are inviting us down to London to audition for them.

"We are working hard to make it sound as good as possible so we do get to take part in the showcase for the A&R people.

"Bands started at college are notorious for having a short shelf life. We are determined that won't happen to us."

A four-track EP, titled Scenario, is available at Reidy's, Blackburn.

Earl girls back from capital Fiesta follow-up

EARBY all-girl group Earl make a return to Blackburn tonight -- just a fortnight after playing a successful set at the town's Fiesta weekend.

Since they last graced the stage in Blackburn, Earl have returned to London, where they are building a solid reputation for themselves, and performed a successful gig in Camden.

The girls have already won the support of Radio One DJ Steve Lamacq following a string of successful shows.

Their music draws on dance influences as well as blues, jazz and rock.

The group, who have been regulars on the local music scene from nearly two years, perform at the Cellar Bar in Blackburn from around 9pm today.

Although many have seen them before, sisters Ruth and Fiona Daniel have replaced third member Lizzie Evans with Mancunian Liz Andrews.

If you can't get down to see them, read about their performance in next week's Pulse.

Hoodlum Tribe

BLACKBURN DJs the Hoodlum Tribe are already big in Manchester, but now they are returning to their home town.

On the first Saturday every month, the gang will be presenting dance nights at the Cellar Bar, with some of the biggest Manchester DJs expected to perform in the coming months.

Their Royal Jelly nights in Manchester regularly attract large numbers of clubbers, who are apparently pleased to find a venue which allows the DJ to start 'with a blank canvas.

Big Dog havetheir critics

THE shine was taken off Big Dog's debut at the the festivals this year by hard-faced reviewers from NME.

The group, fronted by Black Grape's Kermit and musicians from Oswaldtwistle, were branded tuneless after their performance at Leeds.

The mag went on to say that they would never trouble the top 40. Ouch!

BATTLE: Posh Spice is playing down talk of a bitter clash between her and Kylie in the battle to be top pop babe.

Both singles and albums from the pair will clash in the charts, but it seems like Posh, despite ample publicity, has already admitted defeat.

She claims she does not see it as a battle, and would be happy for her single to make the top 10.

Which is just as well, seeing as Kylie, despite doing the rounds for three times as many years as Posh, has by far the better track. In our opinion.

WEETUS: The artists behind Teenage Dirtbag arrive in Lancashire in November.

They play the Lancaster Sugarhouse on November 11 for what is sure to be a sellout gig.

The group shot to fame after the said song was used in the soundtrack for the hit film Loser.

They will also play in Manchester on November 25.

AALIYAH: The rows continue to rumble as investigators probe just how the plane R&B star Aaliyah was in came to crash a fortnight ago, killing eight people.

Latest to have his say is Bahama's airport boss Owen Gassaway, who claims too many people boarded the Cessna plane.

It has already been claimed there was too much luggage on board.

Meanwhile, a DJ on New York's Hot 97 station has been suspended after playing one of the 22-year-old's tracks, adding in a screaming girl and a plane crashing. Tactful.

PAUL WELLER: Mod God Paul Weller makes an appearance at the King George's Hall on Friday November 30.

His £20-a-ticket gig will apparently focus on just him and the guitar as he seeks a new sound to keep his audiences captivated.

His show will be the first stand up gig at the KGH, Blackburn, for more than three years.

Such shows were banned when crowds jumping up and down caused the building to shake!

But repair work on the famous landmark has meant the building can once again play host to big names.

DEACON BLUE: The hit-makers have confirmed they will be performing at KGH on November 25.

Their concert is all-seater and tickets cost £21. For details of either gig, ring 01254 582582.