FATE has dealt Instead of Against a cruel blow.

Just when they found a vocalist who bonded with the Worcester hardcore band, he decides to go to university. Not very rock n' roll, but very sensible.

But it's left guitarist Nick Brighton, drummer Jim Saunders and bass player Nick Wood, looking for a new singer.

As a four-piece, Instead of Against are becoming a well known fixture at the Crown in Worcester, fast carving a reputation as the home of Worcester's hardcore scene.

Gimik

Friends from their days at Christopher Whitehead School, Jim, 19, and Nicks Brighton and Wood, both 20, started out as members of Gimik, but decided to strike out on their own.

With shared influences such as Raised Fist and Strife, they play fast, energetic hardcore and have 10 songs under their belt.

Next month, they plan to record a three-track demo and begin the slog of touting it around to raise their profile.

But as Jim points out, they've already had a leg-up thanks to Malvern-based Tribute To Nothing, who included Instead's Don't Look Down on their Lockjaw label compilation Helping You Back to Work Vol 6, which has a national distribution deal.

"It's been good knowing Tribute To Nothing and fantastic to get on that compilation," said Jim.

"We had a brilliant gig there, with up to 200 people going pretty mad. Pete knew a lot of the crowd, so he got mobbed and ended up with a cut lip, but he carried on singing anyway."

Instead of Against are interested in hearing from any singers, who should call Jim Saunders on 07796 438885.