SOUTHAMPTON punk outfit Harsh launch their debut album at The Joiners, Southampton on Sunday, convinced that they have produced a masterpiece.

The four-piece (Rich Maylott, Jonny Kempsey, Stu Geary and Mike Breach) spent the summer locked away in a Poole studio to produce their eponymously-titled long-player.

Harsh insist what sets them apart from other local bands is their ability to play live and sound exactly the same on stage as they do on CD.

Guitarist Jonny explains: "Everything we have recorded on the album can be reproduced at live performances.

We don't use any special enhancement effects or outrageous production methods - what you hear is what you get."

Regular What's On readers may remember that Harsh actually met through the pages of your favourite local listings guide. Since then, the band have gone on to perform all over the UK, including a prestigious support slot with the legendary Stiff Little Fingers.

"We learned a hell of a lot supporting Stiff Little Fingers. You've never experienced a hostile crowd until you've walked on stage in Portsmouth in front of 400 hostile veteran punk rockers all chanting for the Fingers. But we won them over in the end and even former Jam bass player Bruce Foxton said that we were good!"

Once the album has been launched, the band are set to play a string of gigs across the south coast.

"We've spent far too much time in the studio and now we just can't wait to hit the road again."

Support on Sunday is provided by The Mighty Snorting Powder Rangers, The Riots and Syn-D. CDs will be available on the night priced £5 and The Joiners has a late licence for the evening.

PAUL GREEN