TYPICAL, no sooner do you appoint a singer than he has high aspirations and trundles off to university, leaving you vox-less.

That's what hardcore act Instead of Against faces, just weeks after a debut gig, when Malvern-based frontman Pete Ware departs for Kent.

The group was formed from the remnants of Worcester metal outfit Gimik in February. The line-up was Jim Saunders on drums, Nick Wood on bass and Nick Brighton on guitar.

"When Gimik split we decided to make things more hardcore rather than metal," said Jim, a web designer in Worcester.

After two months of instrumental rehearsals the trio held auditions for a singer. From these, 20-year-old Pete emerged as the new front man.

"Pete was the best of the lot," Jim says, ignoring Pete laughing at his daytime attire of suit and tie - the two Nicks can't make the interview due to work, but Jim's made it to Malvern in his lunch-break.

The group write songs together, Pete adding lyrics once initial backing music is laid down. "One of us would come in with an idea and within two practices we'd have a song pretty much done," says Jim.

"The lyrics are stupidly personal," says Pete, who despite shaved head and piercings is less intimidating than on stage.

At the first gig in Worcester his leaping around resulted in near-death for the microphone and a split lip for Pete at the hands of the over-enthusiastic crowd.

"One of the songs is about a friend of mine with cancer, others are about ex-girlfriends, that kind of thing."

The band is keen to expand, with possibilities of gigs in Rotherham, Stoke and Somerset on the cards.

"We need to find someone to replace Pete. If anyone's interested give me a ring," said Jim, who can be reached on 07796 438885.