PULSE - music and more, with Simon Donohue

MATT Nelson of the Milltown Brothers has guested on what might be the debut single for musical collaborative The Bond.

The Pendle popster, whose parents live in Fence, sang on the track Twist And Turn, which forms part of The Bond's imminent second album release, Enthusiasm.

The track is described as "quite poppy" by the band. Fans of the Blackburn-based Bond have been waiting with baited breath since the release of their acclaimed debut album, Beyond Songs And Stories, which has sold more than 1,000 copies.

The band turned to a number of guest vocalists for help with Enthusiasm because their own lead singer, Andrew Mahon, has been suffering from a long-term illness.

They have also seen the departure of core member Simon Auster, who is now working on a solo project with fellow Bond collaborator Milla.

Matt Nelson, who achieved chart success with the Milltown Brothers between 1991 and 1993, now lives in London.

But the Milltown Brothers have been playing together recently and are making plans for a revival.

A spokesman for The Bond said: "Andy's illness has affected progress on the album but the musicians have continued working on it.

"Matt is just one of a number of musicians and singers we have worked with.

"It is still our style of music. There will be a live gig to preview the album in a couple of months.

"We will be writing to all of the people on The Bond mailing list." The Bond continue to work in their own Secret Garden Recording Studio, which has now been moved lock, stock and barrel to the HSL premises on Whitebirk Industrial Estate, Blackburn.

HSL, one of the country's premier hirers and sellers of music and lighting products, have formed a close working relationship with The Bond, who they see as a valid outfit to showcase their equipment. It also means The Bond can call on thousands of pounds-worth of state-of-the-art wizardry.

Plans are also afoot to offer the service to others. As always with The Bond, there is a lot in the pipeline.

They are still working on the music for the film Gobsmacked, a self-financed venture by the father of The Verve's Simon Tong.

They have also spoken to the Californian record company X-dot, which has shown a keen interest.

The spokesman added: "The thing about The Bond is that we are people who want to work together and with as many other people as possible."

The Marion kind

MARION have bounded back into the fold with a little help from East Lancashire percussionist Ged Lynch.

Hyndburn-born Ged, who has also worked with Electronic, Black Grape and Jon Bon Jovi, picks up the sticks for the group's Monday release Miyako Hideaway.

The track also features former Smiths' guitarist Johnny Marr. It was unveiled at a recent Manchester gig where the group also played other tracks from their imminent album The Program. Marion are firm favourites of Burnley band Syndicate and toured extensively with them.

They plan a full-scale UK tour later this year.

Bands' battle

A PRESTIGIOUS Battle Of The Bands Competition kicks off at Chaplin's Bar, Burnley, next Friday.

At the moment the winning band can look forward to a day in a studio and prize money in the region of £500.

Chaplin's publicist Alison Cubbins said: "At the moment we are looking to have around four to five heats each Friday, with around four bands in each heat."

The groups that have already entered are Burnley College bands Necessary Elvis and Socket.

Representing the Rhythm Station at Rawtenstall are Cola Moon and Trash.

Entrants are also expected from Accrington and Rossendale and Blackburn colleges. Anyone else who would like to enter should send a tape and brief biographical details to Alison, Chaplin's Bar, Red Lion Street, Burnley, BB11 2AE.

Comics wanted

THE Magic Village promotions company is looking for comedians and jazz musicians.

The Magic Village Jazz Roadshow starts at Blakey's, Northgate, Blackburn, on March 9.

Bollards Comedy Club begins the new season at Bailiff's Bar, C'est La Vie, Blackburn, on Wednesday, March 11.

Anyone interested in appearing at either event should phone Brian Wood on 01254 661817.

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