COMING home after a spell away is a band that has refused to conform to coolness and has stuck to their own style throughout changes in fashion. But by refusing to fit in Weightloss have subsequently made themselves cool. So, after four and a half yea

COMING home after a spell away is a band that has refused to conform to 'coolness' and has stuck to their own style throughout changes in fashion.

But by refusing to fit in Weightloss have subsequently made themselves cool.

So, after four and a half years "terrorising the country", they are back at Club 85 in Hitchin on March 16 for an album launch, much to their fans' delight.

The seven piece ska and punk influenced band from Hitchin, Letchworth GC and Stevenage is made up of Dan (vocals), Fil (drums), Goody (guitar), Ant (bass), TJ (trumpet), Alex (saxophone) and Dave (trombone).

Their MySpace site states: "In a scene surrounded by hardcore and fashionable haircuts, Weightloss strive to keep a dead scene alive.

"One of the only hopes in Hertfordshire for keeping ska punk/core original with technical horn parts and impatient rhythms which empower the socially angry lyrics that vocalist Dan spits out with true meaning and experience."

The bands influences include The Blue Meanies, Link 80, Capdown and American Nightmare, focusing on deep social issues with dark sounding songs.

A spokesman for the band said: "In 2005 Weightloss overcame expectations when we won the UK Unsigned national band competition and went on to support Amen at London Astoria, play the Hells Angels' notorious Bulldog Bash and get signed to an independent record label - Spiky Black Records of London.

"Since then we have toured the country numerous times and even arranged for a band from the USA to come over and play several shows with us."

But they are back in town on March 16 with their album Our Thoughts Are Just Noise which has some reworked material as well as 14 tracks of brand new stuff.

Drummer Fil said: "We have been working on this since August 2006, a lot of hard work has gone into this and it's something we all feel proud of."

Goody added: "And a steal at £10!"

Despite offers to release it in other towns they have stuck to their guns and have teamed up with local favourites Frog Stupid, best buddies Left Engine and Milton Keynes' finest Six.Point.Five.

And there will also be an All Ages CD launch party at David's Music store in Letchworth on April 7.

Their page states: "Weightloss have developed their brand of dark raw passionate drug addled ska and will take it as far as the petrol in their tanks will take them plus however further they can manage to get after that..."

And they seem to have a lot of petrol left in their tank yet!

Catch them at www.myspace.com/weightloss