KEEPING it in the family is the name of the game for a Kidderminster band who have expanded their line-up in a renewed quest for fame and fortune.

The Murmur, who have been on the town scene for seven years, have freshened things up by recruiting James Donaldson - younger brother of guitarist Kevin - on rhythm guitar.

Hopes are now high that the newly-enlarged four-piece can make an impact with their new demo, Talking to Yourself, which drummer Luiz Ferreira said is the best of the three they have come up with since forming.

They had been a trio for just over two years but will now have the freedom to try new things, he added.

"'Little Jim' joining the band has given us an extra dimension and we can experiment more, which has proved difficult with just three members.

"He had been learning to play for a couple of years. We were missing something and he was the ideal candidate to join the band. It allows Kev to do more lead work."

James, at 18, is the youngest member of the band. Luiz is the most senior at 26, while Kevin and bass guitarist Andrew Daglish are 24.

The band cite influences such as The Beatles, The Who, The Stone Roses and Oasis and earlier in the month took to the stage at a London venue played by the latter and several other groups before they hit the big time, including Travis and The Stereophonics.

"The gig was excellent - we played out of our skin," said Luiz of The Murmur's date at Kensington's West One Four.

The performance was recorded on video and should soon be available to buy on their website - www.themurmur.co.uk - while a live CD is also in the pipeline.

"The video has turned out really well. We're used to hearing ourselves but it was weird seeing ourselves - we look like a proper band. We look like we know what we're doing!"

In one unexpected turn of events, The Murmur's quest for fame has taken a bizarre twist with them being invited to submit 20-20 Vision, one of the songs on their most recent demo, to video game firm Konami for their Dancing Stage series.

They were approached after a gig at Birmingham's Flapper and Firkin.

Luiz explained: "If it does appear on the game it will be released in October. We are still awaiting confirmation but the guy tells us there is a great chance it will be included."

And The Murmur are not likely to be calling it a day even if Talking to Yourself does not pave the way for them to realise their dream of turning professional.

"We're really pleased with the demo. It's easily the best we've done.

"I think we will get signed. Even if we don't we will still be doing this when we are 50!"