It's a thought that might well have crossed the minds of local lads Craine when disaster's ugly mug loomed up at the most inopportune moment.

The Derbyshire/Sheffield quintet's hard work on the circuit had landed them a showcase with Halo Records and the chance to secure a deal.

But with rock 'n' roll stardom beckoning like a cheap strumpet from the doorway of destiny, the band's original drummer departed just a week before the biggest gig of their lives.

"But we somehow managed to recruit a new drummer, have three jams and nail the showcase," said guitarist Chris Roberts.

As a result, Craine signed with Halo in February and their debut single hits the shops and cyberspace on Monday.

Live favourite End of the Line was an obvious choice as their first release, but Chris said the band was already looking way beyond that initial landmark.

"If it got into the top 75 singles, that'd be great," he said.
"But we're testing the water with the single and playing a longer-term game.

The next move will be issuing the band's album, scheduled for the autumn and supported by a planned univerity tour.

"Not many bands bring great albums out any more, but we're writing all the time," added Chris.

Six tracks for the album are already in the bag and Craine are working with Steve Loveday, whose CV includes soundtracks for Buffy the Vampire Slayer, on the rest.

Craine are marking the release of End of the Line with a launch party and show at Sheffield's Carling Academy on Friday, June 27. Entry is free

END OF THE LINE
Craine's debut single End of the Line is a polished indie gem.

Vocally, there's a gentle hint of Oasis running through it, as though Liam Gallagher had been laying off the Woodbines for a bit.

But the epic feel and open space of the track, especially the keys, is almost Floydian.

It's available via iTunes, Amazon and HMV from June 23.

For more details, visit www.myspace.com/craine1.