Shetland-Music.com

On the same night they supported Franz Ferdinand at their sold out Shetland gig, local band Black Bic Biro celebrated the occasion by releasing their first eponomously titled EP.

Released on local record label Bleatbeat Records, the CD features all original and self-penned material including the tracks Peggy Sue, Timmy The Flea, Ecto Joe and Chamber of Smoke - all of which should be very familiar to their growing fan base on the islands.

The three-piece, Reuben Quinn (guitar / vocals), Jim Bevington (bass/vocals) and John Gair (drums) said they were very excited at being given the Franz Ferdinand support slot and it would round things off great for them by releasing their first CD on the same night. "It will certainly be a night to remember" said frontman Reuben Quinn, "especially as Franz Ferdinand are one of our major influences and the gig is on home turf so to speak. Its been a crazy month for us".

Jim said: "They are one of the biggest bands in the UK and it is a real privilege to be supporting them. We would like to thank Davie Gardner and the other organisers of the gig for giving us the chance to play."

The cover art of the new EP features a striking image of a toddler holding a shotgun. Reuben said: " Its a picture of my mum. She got hold of my grandfather's gun and then started crying. The picture on the back of the sleeve is taken just after - she started sulking when the gun was taken from her".

"Co-owner of Bleatbeat Records Marvin Smith said: "The band are great, they are creative and innovative. They are undoubtedly the best band to come out of Shetland in the last few years

You can hear the new recordings at www.myspace.com/blackbicbiroband and the new EP will be available to buy at www.bleatbeat.co.uk and Clive's Record Shop in Lerwick.

Digital versions of the tracks will also be offered on the iTunes music store in a few weeks' time.

The EP has now been featured on BBC Radio Scotland, when DJ Vic Galloway selected a track to play in the 'Unsigned Heroes' section of his regular Monday night show. For the full story courtesy of Shetland Today - Click Here