Music fans across Ireland are in for a real treat this coming week with London-based band 'Rime' hitting our shores with a thrilling tour set to really shake the local scene.

Rarely do you come across a group of such highly trained musicians, and feel as comfortable as I did talking with the guys as I did in an Irish pub in London.

'Rime' have recently recorded 'Something Better with producer George De Angelis (Rod Stewart, Leanne Rimes, Seal), a record that has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Opener 'Go Forth and Multiply' sets the scene perfectly.

Soaring, strong melodies, driving guitars and a rhythm section that runs like clockwork; this track illustrates the range of artists and genres that affect that 'Rime' sound so much of England are becoming familiar with. The final product just goes to show what 3 months living and breathing music inside a studio can do for your talents.

The fact 'Rime' are still together today, writing and recording, pays tribute to the character of the band given what they have gone through.

After recording a full album, the band's previous vocalist upped and left without warning, followed by the tragic death of young bass player Igor Guelman Zak. Joe Hodgson (Guitar), himself a well known face around Strabane having grown up in the area talks of the troubles faced with certain melancholy.

"At the end of the day, losing our singer was nothing compared to the loss of Igor. A great musician and a true friend, we knew he was going to be irreplaceable, but Phil (Drums) and myself knew we had to keep the band going.

Phil had moved here from Austria and knew another guy who he felt could step in. From the moment we played with new bass player Rene Mayr there was an immediate click."

But still there was the problem of a vocalist, until Mel Padron was found by Joe in the most unlikely of fashions.

Mel's enthusiasm for the project shone through in the telling of this tale.

"Before 'Rime' my main focus was on R&B/Hip Hop. Joe actually came across one of these recordings on the Internet and somehow thought I would fit the bill.

I'd never worked with a rock band, but from the moment I walked into that rehearsal room it felt like the perfect match, with George (producer) really pushing me and getting the best out of my voice!"

But enough of the bio, where exactly can you see these guys play?

They start the tour on the 25th in Sandinos, Derry, with dates also scheduled for the Bush Bar, Enniskillen (30th) and the Voodoo Lounge Letterkenney (31st).

For us Strabane heads the Pool Bar will be the venue of choice next Thursday (29th), but I would strongly advise to try and get to as many of the gigs as possible.

The gigs see the band truly enjoy themselves, with a contagious sense of fun joined with some absolutely cracker tunes!

This is a great chance to see 'Rime' before they set off to the States and Europe, truly taking the music to the masses.

These are gigs truly not to be missed!