ONE of the most distinctive local bands, Toupe boast an unconventional line-up of two bassists and a drummer, dress in outrageous costumes for live performances and sing songs about the maddest of subjects. (There's even one about an inventor who devises a gun which makes people lose control of their bodily functions.)

The band was formed in 2001 after bassist Grant Sharkey and drummer Aaron Head - both veterans of various Southampton bands - began jamming together. Having recruited local bass legend Karl Evans, they played their first gig in Totton in December of the same year.

In 2002 they recorded an album, Oh, Doug!, which sold out. Tracks included Doug and Mack, about two dogs killed by a snake, and Kangarillapig, about ugly women preying on drunken men in nightclubs.

In 2003 Aaron was replaced on drums by Adam Bailey. This year saw them achieving phenomenal success in the European Emergenza Festival, a "battle of the bands" contest which saw them playing in front of 25,000 people in Germany for the international final.

They came eighth overall but won prizes for best bass player, best drummer, best live show and best song.

More recently they have been signed to an independent record label, Hackpen Records, and made a new album, Alopecia.

For more information on Toupe, including forthcoming gigs, go to www.fakehair.co.uk

Each week What's On will bring you the lowdown on a local band. Let us know about yours by e-mailing whats.on@soton-echo.co.uk.