OFFBEAT noise craftsmen Element have signed a fresh deal to sell their music in America - and that's not the only thing that happened to them this week.

The latest chapter of the Pendle band's story has seen them say goodbye to their bassist, put a demo tape straight into the hand of one of their heroes and optimistically ask another idol for a support slot.

They've also been making eccentric modifications to a guitar found in a skip and trying to line up summer festivals in East Lancashire.

The four-piece became a three-piece a few days ago when bass player Warren Smith, 22, left to concentrate on his career as a bar manager.

The band recently had to pull out of a gig at Manchester Roadhouse because of Warren's work commitments at the Thatch and Thistle pub in Barrowford.

The line-up is now Karl Eden and Jay Stansfield, both on vocals and guitar, and drummer Mark Tattersall, all 19.

Now the downsized band is waiting hear what The Fall's singer Mark E Smith and American alternative rock act Jon Spencer Blues Explosion think of the Element demo tapes they have been given.

Element, who have already signed a Stateside tape deal with distribution firm Delores Restaurant, have just won a second deal with another American cassette company called Tangerine Tapes.

"There's no money involved in it for us," said Karl. "In fact, we're out of pocket. But I couldn't care less so long as more people hear what we can do." The hook-up with Mark E Smith came when a radio journalist pal of Karl's asked for help preparing questions for an interview with the veteran British indie star.

Karl e-mailed his friend some questions and, just for fun, asked: "Please can Element support you on your next tour?"

Karl said: "It was a joke but my mate asked Mark E Smith anyway, on air. Apparently he said: 'What are they like? Are they fast?' My friend said yes, so Mark E Smith said we should send him a demo tape and he'd give it a listen.

"We've sent the tape and we'll see if something happens."

Then Karl had a surprise face-to-face meeting with alternative bands Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Sleater-Kinney at a gig in Manchester.

Karl said: "We bumped into both bands on the stairs.

"I'm a really big fan of JSBX and I happened to have a demo tape on me so I gave it to Jon Spencer.

"It made my year. "The JSBX drummer was a really nice guy who came out to see us again.

"I asked the band for advice and what we should be doing.

"They told us what we knew already - that a lot comes down to who you know and where you are - being in the right place at the right time.

"They have just recorded a new album for Grand Royal, which is the Beastie Boys' record company, and Jon said if he liked the demo he would pass it on to Grand Royal."

The band have modified a Fender-copy guitar which was found in a skip and fitted it with two bass guitar strings, and are also using a '70s Yamaha synthesizer.

They're no strangers to unorthodox equipment.

Last year when their cymbals were stolen, drummer Mark used baking trays instead.

Element hope to play summer dates, including at least one of the local outdoor festivals.

Their next appearance is at the Comfort Inn, Burnley, on Saturday, May 22.

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