Guest column: Kevin Melia on Sound of Guns, and the band choose their favourite tracks...

I first saw this band in their hometown of Liverpool during the MTV week celebrations at Bumper on Hardman St. Their performance that night, and indeed the crowd reaction to them, was absolutely incredible. So much so, that I decided the only way I could give a truly objective review was to go and see them away from the partisan support of their local fans. So it was in Manchester's Moho Club on Friday night that I went to listen and see them perform again.

The opening song "The Architects" starts with a controlled, yet frenetic guitar sound reminiscent of Franz Ferdinand, then begins the vocal and visual performance of lead singer Andy Metcalfe. I have to mention his visual performance as he is as far removed from the plethora of static Liam Gallagher wannabees that front a lot of the current new generation of bands. He conjures up images of a mad rock scientist's genetically engineered hybrid son of Jim Morrison and Bono, with vocals to match. A really great and powerful opening number that immediately gets the Manchester audience involved.

From here on in, the tempo is as strong and consistent as drummer Si Finley. Rock solid, inventive and tight. There is a slight change of pace with "Backs of Butterflies", but this only serves to highlight some depth to their song writing. The highlight songs for me were the final 3 of the night. "Alcatraz" - This is the debut single, a great guitar sound on the intro provided by Lee Glynn & Nathan Crowley, building up to another anthemic hook line. "Dead Sea Scrolls" a great band vocal chorus that had quite a few of the audience singing and pogoing along to. Then finally "Rack Ruin". A song that shows just how tight the partnership is between John Coley on Bass and Si Finley on Drums, I also loved the brief vocal homage to Iggy with "Lust for Life"

If there is any concern I have, it is that their strength could also prove to be their weakness. This is only the second time I have seen this band, and yet I felt I was listening to a set of greatest hits. It was all accessible and immediate. However, this could be testament to Andy Metcalfe's ability to control and ignite the audience with his charismatic performance.

But for now, I'll remain as positive as I felt on the night, and to keep any criticism in perspective, their sound is quite far removed from my recent musical tastes, and yet they have suddenly become one of my favourite bands. I strongly recommend you go and see them live. They are "Sound of Guns".

Thanks Kevin. For more details on him, see www.myspace.com/kfmelia.

And here the band give their main influences:

The rise of one of Liverpool's newest bands has been an explosively rapid ride. Sound of Guns have been together a matter of months but since their debut gig at London's Metro Club in June this year they have been invited to share the stage with The Rascals, Red Light Company, Eugene McGuinnes and Twisted Wheel with their biggest gig to date playing to 1,200 at Glastonbury Festival head honcho Micheal Eavis' Village Party in September this year.

Formed like a cut and shut car out of previous Liverpool bands Freemaker, The Vagabonds and The Veras, they clearly know the business well, and they're already well on their way to big things.

I caught up with the lads to find out more about the music that's getting them through the week.

Neon Bible - Arcade Fire.

Singer Andy Metcalfe says: "Simple, hypnotic and Melodic. Pure genius. One of the most underrated bands in the world."

Eat The Rich - Aerosmith

"Such a raw song with Joe Perry's guitar riffs and Tyler's powerful vocals," says Guitarist Nathan Crowley. "Quite fitting for the world's current economical state."

White Men In Black Suits - Everclear

Fellow guitarist Lee Glynn adds: "This has to be my favourite song of all time. It's an inner city tale of people undertaking seemingly character juxtaposing and darker roles in life to get to where they want to be. It's a beautifully crafted song. Soft, melodical yet powerfully understated guitars and beautiful vocals. It shaped who I am today."

Apartment No.5 - The Billy Nayer Show

"One of the best live acts I've ever seen," says drummer Simon Finley. "I love the way the song builds whilst the lyrics paint a picture. It has a real innocent vibe but with a dark undertone and, just when you think it's about to end, the mood totally changes and it hits you with the end section. Brilliant!"

I Shot the Sheriff - Bob Marley & The Wailers

Bassplayer John Coley says: "I love the arrangement of the instruments, a lot of space is created by the bass line. Also his voice is so effortless, he makes it sound so easy."

For details see www.myspace.com/soundofguns.