GIRL band Earl have time on their side.

That's why they're ignoring early approaches from music managers and concentrating on fine-tuning their moody, blissed-out, jazz rock sound.

The young East Lancashire three-piece's intriguing mix of blues, jazz and dark rock has helped the students build a strong reputation on the local music circuit and they have started writing material for an album.

Singer Ruth Daniel, from Brierfield, said: "Since we cut our demo CD we have had a number of approaches from music managers but we haven't accepted any offers. We want to preserve our independence and musical integrity.

"But the experience of recording has spurred us on to work on a full-length album. We're now writing the material for it.

"We are even looking into getting our own recording facilities. If we could do that we would have the freedom to develop our sound, which we think is unique. We don't want to be pushed into the pre-formed mould of the manufactured '90s girl bands. Our roots are in rock and roll and rhythm and blues. We do have more modern influences such as Portishead and Gomez, which puts a different tilt on the music we play."

Ruth, 17, her sister Fiona, 15, and school pal Lizzie Evans, 17, from Earby, formed the band three years ago while they were at Skipton Girls' High School.

Since then, patience, practice and a few punch-ups have helped the girls become a close-knit musical outfit, with the highlight of their short career being an appearance at the fringe of this year's Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne.

Their live sound bewitches some listeners and baffles others as Ruth's powerful voice echoes out over her unpredictable guitar playing, and Lizzie and Fiona's relaxed but hard-hitting rhythm provides a solid backbone.

You can get a slice of "Earl power" at a number of North West appearances.

They play the Indoor Leisure Centre, Rochdale, on February 3; The Witchwood, Ashton-under-Lyne, on March 9; and the Band On The Wall, Manchester, on April 13.

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