A DRUMMER who has played throughout Europe and America will take his band to the stage at home in Rossendale for the first time next week.

Stuart Cardwell is the drummer with Liverpool-based alternative act Manbreak, who will play the Rhythm Station, Rawtenstall, on Thursday.

The band has arranged the Rossendale gig as a warm-up to next weekend when they will play in Liverpool at a fringe gig at the Sound City 99 event organised by Radio One.

Stuart, 26, of Helmshore, said: "This will be the nearest we have ever played to home, although we have played in Manchester before."

The band's second album, which sees them move slightly away from their previous hip-hop leanings, is due out in March.

Although they still have hip-hop influences, their main inspiration comes from acts like The Clash, The Beatles and David Bowie. They hope to tour America in support of the new album after its release. Manbreak recently spent time in New York with American producer Bill Laswell on their new album, which has a working title of This Is It. Bill has produced bands including Public Image Ltd and Motorhead and has also helped mix Bob Marley's records.

The band is signed to three different labels - Almo Sounds, One Little Indian and Virgin - in America, Britain and Europe respectively. They have played alongside acts including Chumbawamba, Beck and Run DMC at festivals and concerts in Europe and America.

Stuart, together with vocalist Swindelli, bassist Kevin Sinnott and guitarists Julian Socha and Mr Blond - has spent most of this year writing material.

Manbreak play The Picket, Liverpool, along with former Farm collaborator Pete Wylie, next Saturday.

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