The Apes have been spreading their bottom-heavy baroque sound across the globe for five years.

Powered by the heaviest Hammond organ since John Lord in Deep Purple, their zeal and eccentricity have won hearts and frayed nerves.

So powerful is the keyboard section they have no need of an electric guitar player - the B3 does it all, played by one Amanda.

She's joined by fellow ape, Erick, on bass, plus a barrage of effects electronic and vocal.

Tribal sounding drums come courtesy of Jeff Schmid and the singer is Paul Weil.

The band is more about sound than melody.

They'd barely finished their latest album before leaving home in Washington DC to come to Europe to tour.

It's not out yet but their latest release is Tapestry Mastery, a 10in single has just been remade available from their website, www.theapes.com.

Other releases include OddEyeSee, Street Warz, and The Fugue in the Fog.

* The Apes play TJ's, Newport on Monday, November 1, with Sammo Hung in support. For tickets and info dial 01633 216608 or surf to www.theapes.com.