TAKE a basic recipe of easy simple pop, add five attractive male musicians who rock like Texas, and you could be looking at the most exciting pop band to date.

Strong are a new local band whose sounds resemble Savage Garden and whose melodies have a similar ambience to The Corrs.

The talented 20-somethings have been together for a mere six months, yet their song writing skills and musicianship has already attracted the eagle-eyed interest of major record labels.

"We're doing a few showcases for major record companies in London," says Steve Hughes, Strong's manager.

"We did one at a place called The Sanctuary, which is Iron Maiden's recording studios, in front of various major record labels and publishing companies."

Hailing from Bromsgrove and Birmingham, the guys so impressed a venue called The Robin, in Brierley Hill, they were asked to play another 20 shows there.

Tim Tandler, aged 25, plays drums and 24-year-old Chris Noakes, who attended Worcester College of Technology, plays bass.

Both lads come from Bromsgrove.

Singer Robbie Giles, 24, lead guitarist Henry Emery, 24, and keyboardist Andy James, 25, are all Birmingham boys.

Strong, who have only been gigging for two months, are now geared up to record some new tracks at The Marrs Bar in Worcester on its live recording night.

"We have decided not to charge for the gig," says Steve, who also manages hip reggae artist Pato Banton whose recent album was nominated for a Grammy.

"The Marrs Bar gives up-and-coming bands who have not got much money a chance to record for a fraction of the price.

"Something like this gives us so much ammunition to get other work."

Steve says that the songs Strong are recording on Monday night will be taken to other record companies.

Records may be pressed of the gig to sell during future performances.

"When you are live you've really got to be able to play and sing," he says.

"This recording will give the band another dimension because it is testament to their talent."

Steve, who used to be a promoter, has worked all round the world with big names such as Boyzone, Peter Andrea, Status Quo and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD).

"In Britain all you get is manufactured teeny bop music or garage," he says.

"We're trying to do something that will work in America, Germany and Britain.

"I've worked with a lot of big names, but I can honestly say that these are the most exciting band I've seen."

Catch the strong looks, lyrics, sounds and songs of the band live at the Marrs Bar, 12 Pierpoint Street, Worcester, on Monday, September 17.

The band take to the stage at 9pm.