There are two opportunities to experience the unhinged guitar power of Nine Black Alps close to Newport this weekend.

First, they're in Bristol's Metropole tonight and secondly, they're in Barfly, Cardiff on Saturday, Feburary 19.

The band is pushing a new single Shot Down which is released after the tour on Monday, March 7.

Shot Down is an incendiary two-and-a-half minute burst of guitar rock with the power to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end! It's being released on Island Records.

The Manchester band are also playing club shows, support dates with 22-20's, a Shockwaves NME Awards show at London's Astoria, and a special date at The Birthday Party club at London's Infinity Club.

Shot Down was produced by Rob Schnapf who is well known for his work with Elliot Smith and Beck among others.

Nine Black Alps and Schnapf have been in LA's Sunset Sound studio this autumn recording their debut album which is due for release in late spring/ early summer 2005.