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Some of you may know Gheko as Ugsy, but the ugly dumpling moniker never communicated anything other than baggy also-rans and now, culled from classical myths, a new name to focus eyes and borrow ears for their message.

The first I heard of the local five piece was, rather pleasurably, a private four song hearing in their rehearsal room. After a gentlemanly bout of handshaking, I watched them lock into a sixties-tinged other world groove. Epic songs of strange thoughts and stranger people. Singer Phil, he of the curious orange shades, put it this way: "We'll never be happy clappy, but we're still uplifting." This is the young man whose piano led twisting balladesque Own the World launches in with "I am just 19 years old and if I die, I'll go to hell."

No scally popsters these, Avant garde arrangements underpin the serious musings with soaring sensations as rhythm and melody crash together, then fluttering guitar strings and tinkling keys give your breath back.

These young men need a stadium, now. Mentioning Radiohead as a musical comparison gets short shrift: "no, not really" they chorus, further explaining that their consuming musical passions are "Kinks, La's, Charlatans... and a bit of dance." But Phil is keen to stress "we ARE into all that but we do have a modern sound."

They seem comfortable together and excited to finally be on the brink of something much bigger than circuiting Liverpool small halls. Their friendships and bonds go back nearly a decade - apart from drummer Steve who, it is claimed, "fell off the back of a lorry." Watch out for those exploding drum stools, sir. The longevity of their band relationship has ensured positive and prolific growth: Dan, guitarist and Phil's brother expounds: "In Birmingham and even in Manchester, everyone who has heard us has given a good response, we've been well-received."

Unsurprising, considering the astounding Costello-like vocals and attention-fixating presence this band possesses.

With Mark on bass and Jacko on keyboards, this five piece are set to take their storytelling craft to the masses,with the very keen music industry behind them (though not LIPA. Ever. "Bad Rumour" scowls Phil.) and even Anfield willing to plug their wares.

With much more multi-media message delivering to do, Gheko shook hands once more; the most deserving quirky combo you'll give a chance to.

For more information about the band you can access them on their website: gheko.co.uk
Gheko play The Picket on Feb 26th.

- sara whiteside