IN the Britpop era of the mid 1990s, Ocean Colour Scene were considered to be the third biggest band behind Oasis and Blur.

Whereas these two bands remained in the limelight and expanded their musical repertoires, Ocean Colour Scene appeared to fade into the background.

The music they did release was rather uninspiring and received bad reactions from the music press.

Justifiably, that now looks set to change. The release of their seventh album last month, A Hyperactive Workout for the Flying Squad, has signalled a return to form for the Birmingham band.

OCS play at the Southampton Guildhall on Sunday, April 17 as part of their current UK tour to coincide with the release of their album.

Let's hope this signals a well-deserved comeback for the guitar-driven group.

Tickets £20. Call the Southampton Guildhall box office on 023 8063 2601.