DO you recall that world record attempt to get a ridiculous amount of people into a Mini? Well, that was nothing compared to the challenge of getting mob-handed "urban" boy band Blazin' Squad on to the intimate stage of York rock venue Fibbers next month.

Particularly as Da Squad, (as one presumes they like to be known), are likely to enjoy serious chart action with the release of new single Here 4 One (EastWest).

Resembling an episode of Grange Hill soundtracked by a lairy Backstreet Boys, it boasts a big chanted chorus and unintentionally-hilarious teenage rapping in which the word "bling" features strongly. You have to admire them - not since the days of East 17 has a boy band looked more likely to be caught nicking fags from Jacksons than be caught sitting on stools wearing nice jumpers.

And speaking of Westlife, suffice it to say the drippy balladeers have a new single out called Obvious (BMG), which is just too obvious a target for mockery. Why they still bother is less obvious, however.

I've got no quarrel with Busted though. They shamelessly embrace being a pop band, are entertaining and write decent tunes - rather than whinging after being taken seriously. However, overexposure may be taking its toll (being on every single kids' TV programme at least six times every day), as Who's David? (Universal) shows the formula getting a bit fatigued. Let's hope they burn out quickly, before they grow up and even consider writing songs about anything other than teenage romantic paranoia.

Meanwhile, following the unexpected success of the excellent Franz Ferdinand, the ever-awake music business has suddenly declared that it's OK to like British rock bands again. Snow Patrol are one of the deserving underdog bands who are likely to benefit, and Run (Polydor) is a standout stab at big heartfelt rock - think Travis with several kilometres of extra emotional depth.

The much-tipped Keane ditch guitars for yearning vocals and piano on Somewhere Only We Know (Universal), though the end result is a bit lacklustre. Longview also do slow-burning, soulful Britrock, on Still (14th Floor Records). It's all genuine, quality stuff, if less than pulse-quickening.

Impressive indie rockers Oceansize are ones to check out though, with their epic Smashing Pumpkins-meet-Radiohead guitar noise, though it doesn't really lend itself to singles - as illustrated on Catalyst (Beggars Banquet).

Dogs Die In Hot Cars meanwhile, have the best name ever. Their Man Bites Man EP (V2) occupies similar sharp, arty pop territory to Franz Ferdinand and the Super Furry Animals.

Legendary ex-Stone Roses guitar man John Squire sadly continues his descent into obscurity with jangly non-song Room In Brooklyn (NorthCountry), which despite its breezy Dylan-esque feel, showcases exactly why he used to let Ian "Foghorn" Brown do the singing.

Updated: 09:59 Wednesday, February 04, 2004