If you didn't know better, you might suspect the lads from Longview of having a shady love affair with Oxford.

Last year they played the city three times, enjoying intimate nights in with a few hundred admirers in the less-than-romantic setting of the Zodiac club.

Less than a fortnight into the New Year, they are back for what promises to be a record number of shows at the venue in 2004.

Yet anyone who has followed the rise and rise of Longview will know it is not our ivy-clad quads or expensive beer that is attracting the attentions these unparalleled soundscape-merchants.

More likely it is the charms of the city's gig-goers themselves, who have turned out to show after show to absorb the band's uplifting serenity and epic songwriting.

It is not only Oxford that has fallen under Longview's spell. They played 100 shows last year -- flitting from gig to gig like a bunch of dishevelled butterflies, from the wilds of the Orkneys to the tip of Cornwall.

On January 13 they are back on the Cowley Road. "Touring becomes part of your life," says drummer Mat Dabbs.

"Oxford is going to be sick of the sight of us. But we haven't had a bad gig at the Zodiac -- that's a good enough reason to come back!"

From their first show at Manchester's legendary Night & Day Cafe (adopted home of Badly Drawn Boy and Alfie) things have moved quickly for Mat, frontman Rob McVey, bassist Aidan Banks and guitarist Doug Morch.

By their eighth gig they had been signed by 14th Floor Records. Tours supporting Athlete, Goldrush, Easyworld and Gemma Hayes followed, and a pair of stunning EPs -- Further and When You Sleep -- followed.

The band has attracted comparisons with the likes of Doves, Coldplay, and Radiohead. And there are echoes of Radiohead's influence on their debut album Mercury, which came out last year.

Longview are supported by Thirteen Senses and The Keys. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are £7 in advance/ £8 on the door. Longview's single Still is out on January 19 on the 14th Floor label.