Oxford'S do-it-yourself madcap disco punk trio Holy Roman Empire launch their brand new single I Bleed Petrol (Catch Me If You Can) on Monday with a headline slot at the Chinchilla Music-backed night at The Bullingdon, writes Pookie Hudson.

Given the recent fuel crisis, the lead track on the new single has a topical title. Is it a Holy Roman Empire attempt to cash in? "No, it's for charity! It's to raise money for the directors of the petrol companies," says Ste.

Holy Roman Empire's first record release was a track called Leftwinger was that an early indication that Holy Roman Empire have political leanings?

"Not really. We don't like having to get political we'd rather sing a love song," Ste says. "But sometimes the rage overcomes us."

Holy Roman Empire's new single consists of three tracks, the previously-mentioned I Bleed Petrol (Catch Me If You Can), Dante's Inferno and No Tomorrow.

It's a truly independent release; the Empire have written, recorded and co-produced all three tracks which will be available on Disques de la Nuit.

"The label is French for Discs of the night, all three tracks are previously unreleased so people will get their money's worth. It'll be on sale at the gig too, so there's no tax either!"

Chinchilla Music, who are behind Monday night's gig, are an Internet music site and radio station they are also behind the Pop Slayers compilation CDs, providing an outlet for new talent and the more underground cult acts.

There's a rumour that Holy Roman Empire will be contributing a track to the forthcoming volume two of Pop Slayers. "There's been some talk about that," Ste confirms, "To be honest, we're not too sure what Chinchilla Music actually is, although it is Internet based. We agreed to do a gig for them because Emma likes the name."

"Don't look at me, I'm the quiet one," Emma says, shyly. "Seriously though, we're going to be recording a whole album's worth of songs and B-sides, with a view to being a bit more active next year," she adds.

Is there anything special planned for Monday's launch of the single?

"Nothing is ever planned, people should know by now that the only thing to expect from Holy Roman Empire is the unexpected."