MALVERN-based hardcore group Rhesus take a break from putting the finishing touches to their forthcoming debut CD to play tonight's gig (Friday) at Evesham Rowing Club.

The four-piece, which hails from Malvern, Alfrick and Worcester, met while students at Worcester Technology College just over a year ago. Lee Auckland, 19, James Lumb, 14 and Rich Nichols, 17, were later joined by Craig Smith, 22, after the original singer left to go to university.

They have recorded their as-yet unnamed three-track CD at the college, and are currently working on mixing it down and pressing copies to sell at their gigs.

Lead guitarist Lee described the band's sound as "melodic hardcore" and reeled off influences such as Incubus, Tool, Helmet, Texas Is The Reason and Far. So far they have played sets in Malvern and at Worcester venue The Crown.

"The gigs so far have gone really well," said Lee, "All the comments have been really good. Now we just want to do as many gigs as we can."

Songs are written jointly between the band members.

"All the lyrics are about personal experiences," mused Lee.

"It's pretty much your classic stuff, ex-girlfriends, things that just happen to you."

The group has appeared alongside local groups including This Year's Model, The Finishing School and 8 Hr Drive, and Lee extolled the virtues of the Worcester scene.

"The scene around Malvern is pretty much punk all the way, there's not much variety, but Worcester's really good. The Crown's really good, without it there's nothing to do at all."

Another Malvern hardcore outfit, Instead of Against, will follow up a successful debut for their new singer at the Evesham gig.

Frontman Pete Talbot replaced former vocalist Pete Ware, who left in September to go to university.

Drummer Jim Saunders said that things were going well, and the band will shortly be recording a three or four track CD to send to record companies.

"We've changed our sound slightly to change to Pete's vocals, it's a little faster and heavier now," he said.

Tonight's gig starts at 7pm and also features Evesham bands Miles Before We Sleep and TDM. Entry is £2.