IN the world of modern music, Oxford four-piece Supergrass are true survivors.

It was in the lazy, hazy days of summer 1995, when Chris Evans was a cool Radio One DJ, that Supergrass made their name.

In fact it was their single, Alright, which became almost the theme for the Britpop scene.

Since then, apart from the obvious Oasis and Blur, Supergrass are one of only a handful of bands from that era still playing decent-sized venues.

Although best known for Alright, the band have had a string of hits including Caught by the Fuzz, Richard III, Late In The Day, Sun Hits the Sky, Going Out, Pumping On Your Stereo and Moving.

Eight years of touring these songs has established Supergrass as one of the most highly-regarded and accomplished live bands in the country.

The band are out on the road again this month, visiting Southampton Guildhall tonight, supporting the release of their forth album, Life On Other Planets.

This was written and part-recorded in France, where the band originally went just to relax.

"We had a laugh playing guitars, writing songs, and generally hanging out," said frontman Gaz Coombes.

"We lived it large and kept it real. Being together in France felt just like the old days, when we all lived together on the Cowley Road in Oxford."

The relaxed atmosphere pulled the band together and gave them an element of focus. It put them in a positive state of mind and created the vibe and energy that would set the tone for the album.

The band returned from France armed with a pile of mini-discs and for the first time in eight years put the album together with the help of a producer, Tony Hoffer, who has worked with the likes of Air and Beck.

"It is the first time we have used a producer since the I Should Coco album. Tony has given the album a tickle with his cheeky west coast touches," laughed guitarist Mick Quinn.

You can see Supergrass at Southampton Guildhall on October 25. Box office: 023 8063 2601.