GROOVE Armada have always been a band at the cutting edge.

In their current form, though, the band are unrecognisable from the chiefs-of-chill who brought us the spectral trombone classic At The River from their breakthrough second LP, Vertigo.

Building upwards and outwards from last year's dance-floor epic Superstylin (from the tellingly-titled Goodbye Country, Hello Nightclub) their latest effort, Lovebox, is vastly different.

"This is definitely the least noodly record we've ever made. It's a funk album, really with proper songs," says band member Tom Findlay.

Groove Armada are making a conscious effort to lose their 'chill-out' tag.

"That chill-out stuff is just terrible," says Tom. "God knows how many compilations At The River's been on now, but it must be at least 200."

Groove Armada are supported on the night by Dirty Vegas who are fresh from working with Madonna on her new Bond single, Die Another Day.

December 10, Southampton Guildhall. Tickets: £15. Box office: 023 8063 2601.