THIS five-piece from the Shirley, Southampton, describe their sound as 'laid-back and acoustic driven'.

Influences and musical signposts include Lorien, Doves, Elbow, Coldplay and David Gray. They boast of a broad appeal and ripe for a major album deal.

The band have been together in various guises since 1996. The current line-up consists of Christopher Olden (vocals/guitar), John Baker (bass), Lee Newman (guitar), Tim Mason-Hambridge (guitar) and Damian Dinnage (drums).

Chris, John and Damian were originally in a band called Cruyffs Turn. It lasted a couple of years before band practices fizzled out. There was talk, generally over a pint in a pub, about a reunion. As with most pub-based conversation, the plan didn't come to fruition.

Then in 2002 Chris and Lee embarked on an acoustic project and started songwriting. On a drunken weekend in Dublin Chris and Damian decided the time was right to start the band up again. With the addition of Lee's mate Tim on guitar and original Cruyffs singer John picking up the bass, the band were complete - and keener than ever.

At the end of last year, the Pipeline were in the studio recording a three-track demo entitled Lightning. It received positive feedback, including a review in the NME.

The band are currently concentrating on gigging and building up a live following. Tuesday's performance is part of this mission, with further dates to be confirmed in the near future and posted on the band's website:

www.alaskanpipeline.co.uk.

The Alaskan Pipeline plays the Soul Cellar, West Marlands Road, Southampton on Tuesday at 8pm.