LUSCIOUS, epic and British are not words normally associated with an emo band, but then I Was A Cub Scout are not the average emo outfit.

"These two teen titans of punk electronica mix twiddly electro-beats and emo riffage to, frankly, wondrous effect, " says Fibbers manager Tim Hornsby. "Think Postal Service versus Digital Ash-era Bright Eyes."

The East Midlands duo of Todd Marriott, on vocals, synths and guitar, and William Bowerman, on drums, have come a long way in their two years together, and that progression culminates in the February 11 release of their debut album, I Want You To Know That There Is Always Hope, on XL Recordings.

Produced by Hugh Padgham, whose CV boasts The Police, David Bowie, Kate Bush and McFly, the album includes Marriott and Bowerman's January 28 single, a double Aside of Pink Squares and Echoes. Fans have been asked to record a cover version of Pink Squares for a competition; the best will be issued as a Bside.

I Was A Cub Scout are now playing 30 dates in Britain and Ireland to coincide with the album's launch. Support slots in York on Thursday go to Rolo Tomassi, This Town Needs Guns and The Novelties, and tickets cost £7 advance, £8 door.

Oh, and yes, Marriott and Bowerman were once Cub Scouts.