NOVEMBER 29, BATH: IT seems East Anglia is fast becoming an unlikely hotbed for hard-rocking musical creativity, as the second band to emerge from the area this year looks set for success.

But while The Darkness have already conquered the world their fellow Suffolk musicians The Vaults, are keen to keep things fairly low key. For now.

Lead singer Beaz Harper said: "We played with the Darkness back in May and we all thought they were really good, they're just a little bit too everywhere right now."

So does this mean The Vaults would turn down the opportunity to trade places with the Lycra clad retro rockers?

Beaz said: "We're only doing a few dates on this tour, just to keep things going, but in February we're starting a much bigger one with about 30 dates, so that should be good."

The band, who are appearing in Bath this weekend, but their EP No Sleep, No Need is out in February and it looks as though things may take off for sooner rather than later.

Their debut single, I'm Going, sold all 500 copies within a week of its release.

The song earned them some loyal fans, including two rather influential supporters, Steve Lamacq and John Peel.

The band, which also includes Richie Kicks, Eddie Treasure, and Jimmi Vandel sent a demo to the legendary man of radio Mr Peel, hoping he would find time to play it on his Radio 1 show.

Before they knew it they had been invited to record a whole session for the show.Beaz said: "John was the first person to give us a break."

Since their first appearance on his show The Vaults were put on the play list for Radio 1's week of unsigned bands.

They have also made two subsequent appearances on John Peel's late night show, one of which was a live session.

It was a far cry from three years ago when Beaz quit is job as a mechanic and had to take odd jobs in pubs and warehouses to finance his ambition.

While Beaz is reluctant to describe the band's sound, "It's a nightmare question, I never know what to say when people ask that," the group has been compared to the likes of AC/DC and Motorhead.

"I just think our music is rock and roll," he concludes.

The Vaults play Moles, Bath, tomorrow, supporting Mohair, doors open 9pm, £5, call 01225 404445.

GARETH BETHELL