SOMETIMES band names are cryptic – they are abstract, random or born out of a blurred night fuelled with Jack Daniels. But sometimes they are just plain obvious, straight to the point, like The Reserves. The Reserves got the name after standing in for a b

SOMETIMES band names are cryptic - they are abstract, random or born out of a blurred night fuelled with Jack Daniels. But sometimes they are just plain obvious, straight to the point, like The Reserves.

The Reserves got the name after standing in for a band that pulled out of a local gig. It's not rocket science. But that doesn't mean that the band is any less interesting.

The Hitchin-based band has been together for around two years now, playing covers of The Jam to the Kaiser Chiefs.

Members are Richie Cox on lead guitar, Jono Leadley on bass guitar, Chris Gerrard on drums and - maintaining the Jam link - Paul Weller on vocals and guitar.

They have become a staple on the local music scene, with the Reservettes, as they term them, among their fans.

And they have had some memorable experiences in their time.

Jono said: "We once followed a death metal soloist at a vegan birthday party - luckily everyone stayed to watch us play!"

While Paul said: "The best experience was playing a packed gig in Hitchin and not being able to hear our amps over the singing of the crowd - if only we'd written the song we were playing!

"The worst was whilst playing at a pub the electrics kept cutting out nearly making us go acapella!"

The band may be ready to step in at a moments notice, but what have they got planned?

Paul said: "During the last year we have been gigging more regularly around the area and have started to build up an ever expanding Reservette fan base. We have the best looking fans in the world!"

Chris added: "We've got gigs coming up soon so we're rehearsing new songs to put in the set."

To all Reservettes in the making, Richie said: "Get your dancing pants on and get out to see us!"

Check out www.lemonrock.com/thereserves for band and booking details while http://wearethereserves.blogspot.com has news, reviews and photos.