BEFORE you start reading this article about The Stetsons, a new and upcoming band from Watford, the band members wish to get one thing clear.

They are called The Stetsons and are at pains to point out that should you Google their name and come across The Eindhoven Stetsons, they are not linked to that particular group in any way, shape or form because The Eindhoven Stetsons are a gay and lesbian line dancing troupe from Holland and The Stetsons are a garage rock outfit from south west Hertfordshire. So now that's clear, let's begin.

Formed back in early 2004, The Stetsons comprise Joey Isherwood on guitar and lead vocals, Louie Johnson on drums, Ross Collins on bass guitar and Jo Chilton on guitar.

Louie and Joey used to promote Fuzzy Logic, a night of live bands at The Pane And Table (now called Nazdarovya) in Watford High Street, and The Stetsons were created out of its embers.

"We are a Watford band but no venue would give us the opportunity," Ross says, "One promoter said we do not have the right kind of sound, whatever that means."

Following in the footsteps of many bands from these environs, however, The Stetsons developed their sound in London. "We are now starting to play some of the bigger venues," Ross continued, "Not playing in Watford made us go and do it ourselves rather than doing the local circuit." The boys are currently working hard to prepare for some of their biggest shows to date in London, plying their distinctive blend of garage-rock and 1960's mod.

"Some of our stuff is quite ska-like, others are bluesy. It's all quite varied," Jo says. "It's quite varied but everything seems to be a bit fast and furious. Basically, it's rock and roll," Ross adds.

Louie compares one of their tracks to cult punk band The Ramones. The current aim for The Stetsons is to play at a good venue in London at least once a week. Rehearsal time is precious for the band though, especially for Jo who as a chef works unsociable hours in a pub in Finchley. The rest of the band are currently in proper' jobs, instead of putting all their efforts into their music.

Like all of The Stetsons, Jo is passionate about what he does: "Music is not something you do for money, is it? The band is something you do for the love of doing it."