STARTING all over again is the name of the game for a Kidderminster band who at one stage were facing the end after losing half their line-up.

Episonic formed in 1996 and take credit for helping "start the gig scene" at the town's Tap House after complaining there were no music venues for Kidderminster bands to showcase their talents. Episonic Mike Thompson (left), Matt Barnes and Jesse Webb, seeking a new bass player to complete their return from the brink of oblivion.

But the band, influenced by sixties bands and American guitar bands and all alternative pop/rock, were left with only drummer Jesse Webb and singer Mike Kingston in 1999 when it looked like the end could have been nigh.

However lead guitarist Matt Barnes has since returned to the fold and the group are now seeking a new bass player to complete their line-up and rebirth following a well-received low-key gig at Kidderminster's Seven Stars.

"Our problem would have finished some bands off, but we see it as the end of a formative learning period," said Jesse, 25.

"Everything we went through was about cutting our teeth - now we are getting positive feedback and getting to the stage where we want to be doing lots of gigs again."

Episonic have just produced a CD, Garbled Chemistry, which is "a mixed bag of stuff written over the last year".

The 11 tracks were recorded at Jess' home on digital four-track. He said: "They are a step forward for us - it's very song-orientated music.

"We didn't advertise the last Seven Stars gig, during which Matt played bass. We just wanted to see how it went - and it was quite exciting.

"The CD is song-led but when we play live it's a bit more 'out there', more energetic."

The band make a return appearance at the Seven Stars next Thursday, November 1, and are hoping to be back up to full strength sooner rather than later.

They are looking for a bass player aged between 18 and 30 - "someone who is up for a laugh".

When he is found he will complete a remarkable return from the brink of oblivion for Episonic.

Jess added: "A lot of bands would have packed it in but we see it like starting all over again."