THE live final of The Comet’s exciting Route to Rhythms competition is only a week away with the winner set to perform to thousands of music lovers.

As promised the remaining two finalists, who could play this year’s Rhythms of the World festival, will be revealed.

Judges have sifted through dozens of entrants to find the best in local talent, but the winner will have to impress an elite panel later this month to perform at Hitchin’s world music extravaganza, held over the weekend of July 9 and 10.

Mzukka World Music and Monaco Bears, who were profiled last week, will face off against Brian Storme and Whiley’s Floating Castle in a live public final at Club 85 next Thursday, March 24.

Brian Storme is a Hitchin-based electro/hip hop artist who produces and writes all his music.

One of his submitted tracks, Messed Up, is a potential club banger which would go down a storm at Rhythms of the World. At the other end of the musical spectrum we have solo acoustic act Whiley’s Floating Castles whose earnest lyrics and superb fret work brings to mind Get Cape Wear Cape Fly! and Dashboard Confessional.

Stephen Whiley said: “I think it’s one of the best things I’ve ever heard of.

“I don’t really go for compeitions. It’s the only one I went for.”

But which of these four acts will impress the judges the most?

The panel, made up of Rouge Music mastermind Charlie Frame, Kelly Betts of BBC Introducing, a Comet representative and festival booker Steve Smither, have been entrusted with the tough decision.

Mr Smither said: “I think the competition gives artists who haven’t gone through the other route to play Rhythms of the World an opportunity to get involved with an increasingly well respected event.

“For various bands in the area the festival is a real high point of the year and I have met bands who have played the festival in previous years who said it was the best thing they have ever done.”

Rhythms of The World, once again hosted by Hitchin Priory, already has an amazing line up featuring the best in international talent, more information is available from www.rotw.org.uk.

The Comet would like to thank North Hertfordshire College for sponsoring the Route to Rhythms competition.