As the country sleeps, Newport's Headtest will wrap up warm for a Christmas holiday bash in TJ's next week.

The indie band camp out on Clarence Place on Thursday December 27 with The Fuzz Effect (formerly Jettison) and Wildge in support. Headtest has played Newport and Cardiff many times this year, including a show in Le Pub last week.

Next year the band will release a single in the Spring, either independently or with a locally-based record label. Or both.

"Children and Glass Don't Mix, will be one of the tunes released," said guitarist, Chris Vinnicombe.

Headtest recorded the songs which might become the single in Famous Studios in Cardiff with Richard Jackson at the controls.

"Although he missed Best Producer at the Music Awards, he's easily the best around," said Chris.

Mr Jackson has also recently produced Martin Carr's solo album and new material by Crashland who are working with Bristol based indie label, Sugar Shock Records, after being dropped by Independiente.

"We are looking to do a tour when the single comes out," said Chris. "When we have got some dates confirmed we will announce the tour."

Chris also said that Headtest was wracking its brains for an idea of a gig with a difference.

Headtest added a third vocalist during the summer to allow the bassist and vocalist, who were handling all vocal duties, to concentrate on their respective instruments.

"It's taken quite a few months of playing gigs to get it up to speed," said Chris.

"This year we have moved away from our influences, towards what we want to sound like as a band. We sound less like the sum of our parts now than an actual band."

* Headtest play TJ's, Newport on Thursday December 27 with The Fuzz effect and Wildge in support. Doors open 9.30pm. Tickets are £2.50. For more information dial (01633) 216608 for TJ's or surf to www.headtest.co.uk