The Reason You re Alive. It s an extravagant claim, but Hitchin and Stevenage-based indie pop rock outfit The New Town Centres think their forthcoming album more than lives up to its title! We are our own harshest critics but even we have to concede t

The Reason You're Alive." It's an extravagant claim, but Hitchin and Stevenage-based indie pop rock outfit The New Town Centres think their forthcoming album more than lives up to its title!

"We are our own harshest critics but even we have to concede that this is one of the best albums of all time," explained keyboard player Lukes.

"It should have been called 'Number 1 of All Time', but we didn't want to seem immodest! It's the album that music has been waiting for, that will heal humanity's hurt. It will bring together peoples of all colours and creeds."

Dismiss this as bravado at your peril! Co-producer Sean Vincent, who signed the band to his own record label Sonic Hub Records, was also enthused.

"We signed the band because they're so different from everyone else out there," he explained. "And they have a very focussed view of what they want to achieve."

The Reason You're Alive was recently released online and at the time of writing was nestling at number three in internet download specialist Tune Tribe's album chart, at www.tunetribe.com.

The CD, meanwhile, will hit the stores on February 20, but there is an opportunity for local fans to get an advance copy at a reduced rate at a party celebrating the launch tomorrow (Friday February 3) at Hitchin music venue Club 85.

The New Town Centres will be headlining the night at the invitation of local promoter Dream Reality Promotions.

Support comes from The Home Wreckers Club, who are putting in a rare local appearance, plus Sunshine Variety Club and The Vicious Cabaret.

Doors open at 7.45pm, and entry is just £4.

For further information, visit www.newtowncentres.com or www.sonic-hubrecords.com.