Band switch names to recapture days of stardom

COLNE'S finest musical export, The Milltown Brothers, have changed their name and have a new song included in a film's soundtrack as they look to relaunch their chart career.

Now working under the name of Milo, the group whose jangly indie pop tunes once graced the charts are on course for a return to the big time.

Milo have revealed to Pulse that a brand new track, Swimmers, will feature in award-winning director Vadim Jean's new movie One More Kiss, which is due for international release in September.

Described as an ethereal love song, the track appears over a pivotal scene in the plot and will included in the soundtrack CD.

Singer songwriter Matthew Nelson put the band back on track 18 months ago with brother Simon and forrner drummer Nian Brindle. However, with the trio now based in London, Simon's close friend Steve Taylor, formerly of downbeat dance band Archive, was brought in to replace James Fraser on bass, bringing a new more mellow groove to the outfit.

Despite a promising start and a buzz within the band for the new music, their luck only started to change after a gig the Camden Barfly last November.

Following the show a number of labels expressed an interest in the act but, although they liked the songs, they were still unsure about the raw demos.They wanted to hear a more finished product before any decisions were made.

The group's manager, who has always chosen to stay in the background, enlisted the help of producer friends Marcos d-cruze and Christian Henson to work on the new material.

The pair have over the years worked on a number of projects from their London studio, including last years Grease remixes. They produced the new tunes in their spare time as a favour to the lads.

Milo's manager said: "They produced our material really as a labour of love.That is why it took so long but the results are great and I honestly believe we couldn't have done any better".

The lads now have a five track promo CD in hand which sees Matthew writing in the melodic style of the band's most successful era to date.

Released in 1991, their debut album Slinky sold around 33,000 copies worldwide and was one of only three albums to recieve a five-star rating in Q magazine, alongside the likes of REM's Out Of Time.

However, Matthew is quick to point out the new stuff is still fresh.

He said: "The Milltowns were nice while they lasted but a lot has changed.

"This is a new band with new songs. I know it's not still 1990." Although there are no live dates scheduled for East Lancashire at present, Milo are playing two dates in the capital at The Garage Highbury, on August 17 and September 7.

For tickets call 0171 706 1478.

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