Just do it, says Brassy's girl who couldn't play

The former Blackburn College student was picked from the crowd at a Hole gig in Manchester by Brassy lead singer Muffin Spencer, who wanted a fellow female to complete her band's line-up.

The fact that Rawtenstall-born Karen couldn't play didn't matter to Muffin -- and Karen now plays bass for the highly-tipped alternative four-piece, whose raw mixture of dance, punk and hip-hop has brought them a string of glowing reviews.

Speaking backstage before a recent show at Leeds University, Muffin told Pulse: "I'd gone to the gig with the sole intention of finding a female who could learn to play bass. We had lads in the group and I wanted another girl in there."

American-born Muffin formed the band when she moved to Manchester and teamed up with guitarist Stefan Gordon and Jonny Barrington, aka DJ Swett.

But the outfit was only completed after the chance meeting at the Hole gig. Karen was studying English Literature at Manchester University, and was looking for a band after being switched on to music during her time as a student in Blackburn. The Riot Girl scene was kicking off during Karen's time at Blackburn College, and she was listening to groups like Huggy Bear and Bikini Kill.

That motivated her to study the history of punk. Karen said: "I wanted to know what had inspired the bands I liked, and it took me back to the whole punk idea of just picking up an instrument and playing."

On stage, the group's hard beats and garage guitar are welded together by Muffin's assertive vocals.

The band is backed by the aggressive drumming of Jonny Barrington, whose skilful ducking and diving between his kit and decks helps the set to flow.

There are no self-indulgent drawn-out guitar tricks or extended drum solos in the set, just a series of short, sharp, snappy tunes.

The album Got it Made, to be released next month, boasts 14 tracks and three interludes but is only 41 minutes long. Karen believes it shows that the band like to get to the point.

Karen also believes you don't have to be a musical genius to write good songs. She said: " We want to get rid of the myth that to do well you have to be a celebrity musician with a God given talent.

"Anyone can do it. We're nothing special. If you've got ideas and want to do it, you should go for it."

Listen and win for Gecho's CD

COLNE crossover act Gecho will be offering free CDs to fans who tune into their appearance on Radio Lancashire tomorrow night. Guesting on the Guy Shoha show which goes out between midnight and 2am, the band will release details how fans can get hold of the limited edition CD.

The nine track collection which also features interviews and video footage is being made to commemorate the departure of bass player James Briggs.

Losing James after his decision to concentrate on his career, the remaining three -- Ailsa Nicholson, Tim Burwell and Chris Manley -- have decided guitarist Chris will carry the extra responsibility.

Playing their show without James, the band also plan to unveil four new tracks written specifically for the session.

For more on the band, log onto their website www.gecho.co.uk

Animals rising in Clitheroe

REVIVED rock, rhythm and blues legends The Animals are to play a free show in Clitheroe next week.

The band's current line-up includes original drummer John Steel and guitarist Hilton Valentine, who played on the group's smash hit single House Of The Rising Sun.

The band, whose other hits included We Gotta Get Out Of This Place, re-formed without Alan Price, Eric Burdon and the late Chas Chandler. Keyboard man Dave Rowberry, who replaced Alan Price in the 1960s, is in the line-up, along with ex-Saxon singer Tony Liddle and former Kinks bassist Jim Rodford.

The Animals will be supported by Wild Turkey when they play Keystreet Music Bar in Lowerfold, Clitheroe, on Wednesday evening.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.