This month alone they're going to the other side of the planet for a series of shows in California.

They've been invited to play the gigs, from Hollywood in LA to San Francisco, by none other than indie-bible NME.

The lads, whose first California show is in Highland Park, LA, on Tuesday, April 8, were asked to play the States as part of the magazine's Club NME nights being launched in America.

Drummer Shane Dickenson explained: "We sent a few emails to Club NME in the UK, and got a few replies, then about two weeks later we got one from Club NME in Los Angeles saying would we go out and play a gig out there.

"We thought for around 2.1 seconds and said 'yeah', we then got a message from a Los Angeles promoter saying he could sort us with a few gigs out there if we fancied doing a tour...so we're off!"

As well as the chance to get a nice tan and cash in on that favourable dollar/sterling exchange rate, the boys are looking forward to playing new songs to virgin American ears.

"Debuting the new songs out there is gonna be sh** hot, " added Shane.
"Also, for an unsigned british band to play LA, is a rarity and the Yanks seem to be as excited as us that were coming to tour!"

And it's easy to see why avanGaäd are keen to get their material out on the road - especially if the fruits of their recent visit to Chesterfield's Foundry Studios are anything to go by.

A re-working of live favourite Memories of Brad shows the lads are sharper than a Carnaby Street suit.

With a Gallagher swagger, it oozes chant-a-long anthemic greatness.
And whilst Liam might think that panache is just a brand of cheap aftershave, the Gaäd have got class splashed all over them.

Tommy's Song delivers another driving chorus and a heavily-ska-ed hook that imagines The Fratellis with Dylan guesting on harmonica.

In fact, on all these new recordings there's a knowledgable nod to rock 'n' roll's founding fathers - but delivered with the cocksure confidence that they are definitely its future.

And while they're busy packing their speedos and suncream ready to soak up the California sun, they've not forgotten their home-grown fans and are holding special a homecoming gig, on June 6, at Sheffield's The Boardwalk.

The event is almost sold out, but there are still a few tickets available via their website at www.myspace.com/avanGaadtheband.

Meanwhile, if you fancy your own 15 seconds of fame, get yourself down to Martha's Vineyard, Chesterfield, at 2pm on Saturday, April 5, when avanGaäd will be shooting a promo video - it could be your chance to get your face on TV!

PHILFY PHIL