Newly-signed to Aberdeen-based label Fat Hippy Records, the powerpop foursome recorded four new tracks for the debut record in two separate studios, taking “ages” over the process because they wanted to get it just right, Jamie from the band says.

Conscious that their Fountains of Wayne/Wheezer-inspired American High School Rock sound could bring comparisons with boy band Busted, Boss Star took charge of the recording process themselves.

“We did two songs at a studio in Aberdeen and they’ve got a slightly rougher feel to them,” he said.

“It’s quite a mix of different sounds because the other two are much slicker sounding.

“We recorded them at Sub Station Studios in Rosyth and worked on them for ages.”

“We’re not sure which we prefer, but because we’re pretty poppy sounding, we wanted to make sure that we didn’t end up sounding like Busted.

“We’re trying to twist the sound a little bit, we’re using more keyboards and chucking in lots of things, interchanging vocal parts and using extra vocals and harmonies.

“Our live sound is still powerpop, and we wouldn’t mind getting a female backing singer for some of the stuff.”

SunJacket — four bouncy, bubbly tracks called Starlight, Teenage Helicopter, Oh Baby and I've Got A Feeling, is available in the shops from Monday.

The launch takes the form of a mini-tour of Scotland, with an instore at One Up Records in Aberdeen on Saturday followed by the Lemon Tree the same night, plus further dates at the Halt Bar in Glasgow and Bannerman’s in Edinburgh, all in the company of fellow labelmates Lady Mercedes.

The Aberdeen-based rock band bring some of the best raw-edged rock ‘n’ roll north of the Tay Bridge to the stage and give it their all every time.

Dundee bands Denver and Rising Signs complete the line-up. Entry is £3 on the door and doors open around 8pm.

The Zombies announced their arrival on the global stage when their debut single She’s Not There topped the charts in America and struck number 12 in the UK.

The four teenagers went on to have a string of top ten hit singles and two successful albums, giving singer Colin Blunstone and keyboard player Rod Argent the platform to launch hugely successful solo careers when the band split near the end of the decade.

Say You Don’t Mind and I Don’t Believe In Miracles were two massive hit singles for Colin, while Rod fronted his own successful prog-rock band Argent.

Since then the two phenomenal talents have been ever-present on the music scene, all the while keeping in touch and discussing the possibilities of recording and playing live together.

The fruits of those discussions are that The Zombies are once more on the road after more than 30 years apart with a brand new album As Far As I Can See, due out on April 26.

Already this year they’ve toured the US and are now slap bang in the middle of a UK tour that brings them to Déjà vu in Dundee, one of only four Scottish dates.

They’re at the club next Wednesday, March 31, playing all the Zombies hits along with their solo material and some new songs from the latest album.

Admission is £7.50 and tickets are available from Groucho’s and at the venue.

Support on the night comes from guitarist Mark McCarra.

A gorgeous summer's day, the biggest names in pop, over 30,000 screaming teenyboppers and an atmosphere crackling with more electricity than the national grid!

For those of us with what could loosely be described as more mature tastes it sounds like a living hell. But for young pop fans, it’s Scotland’s biggest pop party, Live + Loud, back for its fourth year.

Blue, Sugababes, Jamelia, Michelle McManus, plus Phixx and McFly, plus top Scots’ acts Lemonescent, 3 Style, No Reason and Acoustic Love Experience will all be playing at Scotland’s national stadium, Hampden Park, this year.

It all takes place on Sunday June 20 between noon and 6pm, and more acts will be announced soon.

Tickets are already on sale through the SECC’s SECXtra system and HMV Record Stores. First Bus will be operating a return express shuttle service from Buchanan Bus Station, Glasgow on the day of the event, details from Traveline Scotland on 0870 608 2608.

Simon, Ryan and Dave were the slickest act on the night, showing a togetherness and confidence that set them apart from the other four bands, although there were some great moments from all the other bands over what was a fine showcase of local talent.

They walked off with the prize of studio time and some free equipment rental, and the victory will further enhance their reputation around the country.

Reasons for the Insanity, whose influences include Nirvana, Pixies, Fugazi and Trail of Dead among others, weren't far behind, both in terms of musicianship and original material and showed plenty of promise for the future.

Jesus Enterprise, Umakesh and Sonnet 65 were all worthy finalists, and special mention to the last named band from Kirriemuir.

Their lineup includes an extremely young, but talented, violinist Bethan which sets them apart from the other bands, and their set, although a tad loose in places, shows some promising songwriting.

With a bit more gigging experience they could soon be rising above the rest in the region.