THE Open road map leads to Fibbers on Wednesday (31st), when one of NME's Hot List for 2004 make their headlining debut in York.

From Walsall and Birkenhead, The Open formed less than a year ago at art college in Liverpool, and have followed up their debut EP of November 2003 with second single Close My Eyes, released earlier this month to the sound of NME calling them "the sound of the future".

Close My Eyes is taken from the recording sessions for The Open's debut album, just completed with Simon Raymonde producing and Dave Bascombe mixing. Record label Loog is planning a release for later this year.

In The Open line-up are singer, guitarist and songsmith Steven Bailey, who names XTC, King Charles I and gritty cricketers among his interests; bass player Jim Reynolds; electric guitarist John Winter; drummer Scott Holland; and keyboard player Alan Dutton.

Fibbers boss Tim Hornsby says: "These Liverpool lads take the Eighties' art school blueprint of Echo and The Bunnymen and Teardrop Explodes and update the whole shebang with 21st century street life.

"It's early Verve with icons Talk Talk and The Blue Nile in the mix, yet singer Steven Bayley is the owner of a voice that could launch ships."

So, how good are they? NME reckons that "in terms of scope and ambition, the only comparison you can make is early Stone Roses", while Neil McCormick of the Daily Telegraph says The Open's melodic grandstanding stands out among new bands.

To judge if they match the hype, the Evening Press will be reviewing Wednesday's gig, the 15th and final night of their 15-date Old Straight Track Tour with fellow Loog act Mad Action in support.

Tickets cost £5 in advance from Fibbers or £6 on the door.

Updated: 16:05 Thursday, March 25, 2004