A THURROCK Indie rock band have been busying themselves on the south Essex and London music scene.

The Hooks are a five-piece hailing from Thurrock, Brentwood and Rayleigh have an impressive CV since forming in April this year.

The band consists of Lead vocalist, Amy Clayton, 25, from Grays, Rhythm guitar and principle songwriter, Justin Cartledge, 28, of Grays, lead guitarist Paul Sowden, 25, from Brentwood, Dave Bettis, 29, from Rayleigh, on bass and Singularly named drummer Alex, from Wickford.

The band who are influenced by The Foo Fighters, Oasis and Stevie WOnder to name but a few, have played eight gigs to date and recorded a two track demo.

Justin said: "After recording our first demo on July 5 and 6 we were lucky enough to get ourselves invited down to Phoenix FM in Brentwood, where our demo was first played and as a band we were interviewed by DJ Alex Fletcher.

"Since then we've also had planty of radio play on More Than Just Radio (www.mtjr.co.uk) with DJ Moonlights.

"As well as our singer, Amy Clayton, being interviewed on the show too."

The Hooks also won the Essex Rock Comp to play at The Bassment in Dovercourt, which was to celebrate Essex Rocks Birthday.

They are also going to be in the next issue of local magazine, Noisy.

Justin added: "Since October we've had to put giging on hold, due to Alex our drummer going off around the world travelling.

"But she's back in December and we've been busy penning new songs.

"We've got a string of gig dates booked up for next year already, and more are planned.

Gigs lined up for 2009 include: MusicTek, Dagenham, January 31, The Barhouse, Chelmsford, February 3, The Bitter End, Romford, February 7, The Cavendish Arms, London, February 28, Bedford Park, London, March 21.

To find out more and hear songs go to www.myspace.com/hooksband.