COLIN WILSON Norwich four-piece Lot 55 make their headline debut at Norwich Arts Centre, St Benedict's Street, on Friday January 5 with a packed local line-up in support.

COLIN WILSON

Norwich four-piece Lot 55 make their headline debut at Norwich Arts Centre, St Benedict's Street, on Friday January 5 with a packed local line-up in support.

Combining the American influences of singer Will Overton with the Britpop background of guitarist Daren Francis, Lot 55 have created a fresh melodic sound that draws on everything from the Smiths to Foo Fighters, Manic Street Preachers to Matchbox 20.

Will, Daren, bassist Keith Willers and drummer Kevin Gray have taken great strides since playing their first gig a year ago, their impressive live performances and memorable songs gaining them an ever-growing reputation and fan base.

Recent gigs include a successful support slot with Island Records signings Cord in front of 700 at a packed-out Norwich Waterfront, while the band were selected as Norfolk's representatives at the BBC's Eastern region Children in Need event.

Having built a strong local following Lot 55 are looking to take their sound further afield and have their first London gigs, at Camden Rock Café and the prestigious Hope and Anchor in Islington, lined up for the new year.

Main support comes from the Unremarkables who promise uplifting vocal pop, laden with crunchy, barbed hooks.

Kicking off the evening will be two local acoustic acts. Guy Nottage, a talented singer/songwriter, was formerly a member of Norfolk rockers Turnstone. He's influenced by Bob Dylan and Neil Young. Then there's Next Big Thing III finalists, Sam and Daisy - a brother and sister duo from the Eye area - playing original songs and covers.

Plus Club Hungry Audio in the café/bar with DJs, and live sets from the Aprons, the Sadtowns and the Papertiger Sound.

Tickets £4 adv, £5 door available from the arts centre box office on 01603 660352; www.norwichartscentre.co.uk. Doors 8pm.