FESTIVALGOERS heading to Ramsbottom's three-day extravaganza later this month can expect the unexpected when the Moulettes take to the stage on the final day of the event.

The alternative folk outfit have become firm favourites with their eccentric live shows over the summer and band member Hannah Miller promises more of the same for Ramsbottom.

"We have changed the approach as we've added an electric guitar in to the sound and I'm now using a five-string electric cello which my dad has made for me.

"This has given us a different sound and we're concentrating more on strong three-part harmonies which is working really well."

The band has been working on a new album which is due for release in the spring.

"It's a bit of a concept album," said Hannah. "There is a lot of storytelling in it and we have been playing some of the more danceable songs live which have been very well received. I think you'd call it prog pop."

The new sound means that many older Moulettes songs are taking on a new lease of life.

"It is very fluid," said Hannah. "Songs always evolve after you have written them and develop in ways you least expect.

"With the new album we were able to work on one the songs together for a couple of weeks developing things which is not something we've had the opportunity to do before.

"Also it's been good to play some of them live before going into the studio to record them."

Hannah can't wait to get out on stage with her new electric cello.

"Oh, it's changed my life," she said. "It took some getting used to at first, but it produces some amazing sounds. It's a beautiful instrument."

Moulettes are no strangers to this part of the world having played Bury Met several times.

"We love the Met," said Hannah, "there is such a great feeling there. And now we're heading just down the road for the festival. It's one of our last dates in the UK before we're off to Canada for a tour and then we'll be back later in the year co-headlining a tour with Nizlopi."

n Moulettes play Ramsbottom Festival on Sunday, September 20. The festival features appearances by The Proclaimers, the Magic Numbers, Idlewild and the Wonder Stuff. For full details, visit www.ramsbottomfestival.com