SAM Forrest was the shy bassist in York act The Halcyon Band but then Forrest turned over a new leaf. Decamping to Manchester, he has reinvented himself as the frontman of Nine Black Alps, one of the Independent's Six To Look Out For In 2005.

Emerging from Manchester's underground Akoustik Anarky nights, they have been working with Rob Schnapf - Beck and the late Elliott Smith's producer - on their debut album for summer release through Island.

On Monday (21st), Forrest returns to York for Nine Black Alps' gig at Fibbers, with The Little Flames and Black Night Crash in support. Venue manager Tim Hornsby can't wait. "Their frenzied Pixies and Jesus and Mary Chain assault brings to mind early protest punk outfits Chelsea and Alternative TV, slewed with the raw rattle of Wire and the vocals of Black Rebel Motorcycle and Nada Surf," he says. "This is the natural follow-up to Nevermind. It's the business. Nine Black Alps are quite possibly the biggest band to come in 2005, and you won't see them at this level ever again."

After Kanuba saw off second-placed The Federals this week in round one, heat two of the Fibbers/Evening Press Battle of the Bands. Utoxator, The Quiet Victory, Toyshelf and The Catamites meet in heat three on Tuesday.

Please note that tomorrow night's Kerrang! Most Wanted bill of Bullet For My Valentine, Days In December and The One Condition has sold out.

Updated: 10:42 Friday, February 18, 2005