PURESSENCE have had their fair share of ups and downs. At the moment, they're going through a definite 'up' phase.

Their new album, Planet Helpless, is their third release. True to their Mancunian roots, they know they're good and aren't afraid of saying it.

"The new album is like 15 to 20 years of all the different facets of Manchester music - the acid house scene, the Roses, the Mondays, even Joy Division - all rolled into the present day," comments lead singer James Mudriczki.

The band spent much of the time while working on the album in Paris listening to Serge Gainsbourg, Nancy Sinatra and Basement Jaxx, an eclectic bunch who have all unknowingly contributed to the end product.

"Basement Jaxx take on different personas with each song, which is what I wanted to do on this album," says Mudriczki.

Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth, October 21. Tickets: £6. Box office: 023 9286 3911.