Staines is becoming something of a happening place these days. Not only is it home to the irrepressible Ali-G, but also British soul outfit Contempo.

Contempo have been an item for some three years now. Their limited edition debut seven-inch single On The Floor/Stronger came out on Blue Dog during 1998, already it's becoming highly sought after by collectors. Contempo are often described as 'Dexy's Midnight Runners meet The Jam' although there are other influences on their that finely-honed blue-eyed soul such as The Clash (Mick Jones has worked as producer with the band), The Style Council and Joy Division without the doom and gloom. For older readers, Contempo come across like the Spencer Davis Group going punk!

They are fronted by Rick Archer with his brother Steve is on bass. In fact Contempo seem to be a haven for people called Steve. Their guitarist is Steve Friend and drummer is Steve Cutts. Completing the fabulous five is keyboard maestro Dave Teape.

Contempo also boast a horn section, consisting of Ruth Thomas on trumpet and saxophonist Matt Todd.

The Suburban Soul Rebels visit Oxford for the first time tonight, headlining at The Kooler at The Bullingdon, Cowley Road. If horns 'n' keyboard-driven blue eyed soul, in the vein of early Dexy's, Q-Tips and Joe Boxer appeal so will Contempo. If power pop and raw energy similar to The Jam, The Chords, The Buzzcocks and The Clash appeal so will Contempo. And if you've grown up with the dance generation well, you get my drift.

Contempo touch many different musical bases, many having a retro feel. Yet the way it's packaged, presented and performed not only draws from the past, but also is, errr, contempo-rary!