LOCAL musicians are putting on their musical armour and getting their vocal chords into gear to battle against other bands in two major competitions.

Power guitar pop band Seymour have already used their pumping choruses to get through to the finals of the Ultimate Live Band Of the Year.

The three musicians, whose original sound has been likened to The Stereophonics and Travis entered the competition without actually knowing about it.

They turned up to a venue in Wolverhampton thinking it was just another ordinary gig.

Our manager only told us about it when we got here and told us to play our best, said Neil Ivison, Seymour's singer and guitarist.

We didn't expect anything at all.

Seymour consist of Neil, aged 20, and 21-year-old drummer Lee Harris, from Bromyard, and bass player George Elliott, 22, from Malvern.

They have released two CDs, Everyday is a Holiday and Seymour Live 2000.

Since the first heat held at the Robin R & B Club2 in Bilston, Wolverhampton, Seymour have fought off stiff competition, and are now one of the last three bands out of 81 original entries.

We've all grown up together, and did a musical technology course at Worcester College of Technology, said Neil, who has been singing and playing guitar since he was eight.We'd love a record deal and this is a good way to get noticed.

The finals are to be held on Monday, November 5, at the Robin R & B Club, Wolverhampton.

Fans wishing to show their support can catch a special bus from Bromyard.

For further details ring Miriam on 01886 884362.

Seymour are also playing at Drummond's and the Marr's Barr, both in Worcester, on Wednesday, November 7, and Friday, November 9, respectively.

Meanwhile Worcester band Sideways Glance, have used their indie/rock/pop sound to battle it through to the semi-finals of The Battle of The Bands.

The five-member band from Worcester will be competing against all genres of music to try to attain the musical crown of best band.

The band won their heat at The Prince Of Wales, Warndon, Worcester and are through to the semi-final at Farmer Johns, Sutton Coldfield, on Wednesday, November 7.

We have been compared to The Bluetones, Wedding Present and REM, said Paul Sewell, singer of the band.

We were put with similar sounding bands in the first heat but as the competition progresses we will be competing against all sorts of musical genres.

The winner of the semi-final will then go on to the final, where the top prize is the opportunity to cut a CD.

The current line up of Sideways Glance have been together for nearly a year and consist of singer Paul, guitarists Martin Millington and Mark Willmore , Adam Hood on bass, and Andy Witowski on drums.

They have recently released a six track CD called Slightly Enigmatic.

A lot of my inspiration comes from made up stories, relationships that happen to myself or to other people, said Paul.

I'd love more venues for live music and we'd love a record deal.

For further information visit their website on www.geocities.com/sidewaysglance