SIDEWAYS Glance have a plan. The West Midlands-based band has been peddling its own brand of melodic pop since it formed in 2005 and next weekend the group launch their new CD at Worcester's Marr's Bar.

The record - titled Another Bunch of Hopefuls - features songs about love, be it lost, tainted or unrequited, as well as the many absurdities of modern life.

And vocalist Paul Sewell hopes it will be a springboard for bigger things.

"We've done quite a few gigs and we are hoping this will attract a little bit more record company attention," he said.

"We're releasing it on iTunes and selling it more mainstream with the view of pushing the gigs and maybe getting more management."

Sewell, from Worcester, formed Sideways Glance with guitarist Mark Willmore.

"Originally it was myself and Mark," he said. "We used to play and write songs and after a few years thought we should get a band together.

"That's when Andy, the drummer, got involved. There were a couple of line-up changes before we found Matt from Birmingham (lead guitar) and Winston from Coventry (bass)."

So far, so simple.

"We've got a very wide range of influences," continued Sewell.

"Song-writing wise, I grew up listening to Paul Simon and these days the bands I listen to include The Decemberists, The Fratellis, that kind of things.

"But within the band it's much wider. One of the lads loves blues and soul. I'd like to think what we do is a crossover of all those influences."

Supporting Sideways Glance on Friday, January 18, will be Worcester-based Echo Room, an indie rock five-piece that cite The Beatles, The Kooks, Oasis and Stereophonics as influences.

Tickets are £5 on the door.