It may be American Independence Day but this Friday, July 4 will see an English rock invasion to Omagh.

English punk rockers Smudge will hit the Top of the Town for their first ever gig in Northern Ireland. The Manchester four-piece have received critical acclaim from many sources and have shared a stage with such high profile bands as The Used, Gallows, Rise Against, Aiden and many more.

Smudge is quite basically an effortless mix of huge pop choruses, blistering riffage and tons of energy. Formed back in 2004 they have toured up and down Britain and most recently appeared at the Taste of Chaos Tour 2007 at Manchester Apollo.

captivate

Throwing themselves around as though caught in the tsunami of their own music, Smudge captivate their devoted following, and more besides, with their swooping, colossal anthems. Their sound is huge, fast, lively and goes down an absolute storm

Their Top of the Town gig features special guests in the form of up and coming Omagh bands and a solo act all the way from Wexford. The Soviets, The Wild And The Innocent, Mark James and Forced Out Vision.

The Soviets and The Wild And The Innocent are possibly the best alternative rock bands In Omagh at the moment. Wild And The Innocent have recorded their debut EP which is being readied for release on July 18. The Soviets hit the studio at the end of July to record tracks for their own debut EP.

Ballygawley band Forced Out Vision is also making a name for themselves having recorded songs and recently won the Drumragh Battle Of The Bands.

Mark James too is an act not to be missed. The singer songwriter is famed for his songs which make you want to get up, dance and sing-a-long.

Certainly this is a night of original music not to be missed from four acts that set high standards and consistently meet them. Tickets are available for £5 from the local bands or the price of £6 can be paid at the door.