Nocturna are a new group born from members of Bristol bands Breakbeat Era and Alpha, alongside the spoken word artist Bonny Brooks. Their first gig is on 14 September at The Louisiana, and it might just be one of those history-in-the-making, back-in-the-day, new-genius-band-burst-on-to-the-scene sort of things. Nocturna's recordings have a sort of nervous urgency which promises an edgy and interesting performance live. The album is called 'Unspent Communication', lending a clue to the pent-up growliness of their music, and they're a dirty jazzy bunch. Brooks's gravelly tones match perfectly the film noir overtones that haunt the group's songs, plus they're

on the cusp of confirming a couple more of Bristol's local musical luminaries to join them when they play live. They're the sort of band where the lyrics mean something - in fact, lots of somethings - if you look, but the meanings aren't rammed down your throat so you choke on 'em. This is clever. And it makes you feel clever, which is always a bonus.

Here's the deal. This gig could be seminal if you're into this sort of thing. We're not promising anything, but can you really forgive yourself if you miss it?           '.

NOCTURNA PLAY THE LOUISIANA, BRISTOL, ON TUE 14 SEPT.