In November 2004, at the ridiculously tender age of just 16 and 17, Durban Poison travelled up to the capital’s Scala Club and promptly WON the London heat of the Global Battle of the Bands, defeating 18 other bands on the night. They had been together for only 4 months. A fortnight later, at London’s Mean Fiddler, they came third in the National Final before a wild capacity crowd. More than 200 bands entered the competition, making the experience, and the result, all the more incredible. Indeed, these two gigs remain etched on the boys’ minds, as they marked the start of an epic journey that has taken them from relative obscurity to the brink of national recognition. But it hasn’t been an easy road.

Far from it. In the 2 years since those heady London shows, Durban Poison have experienced more highs and lows than a big dipper ride, working hard, gigging furiously, deflecting the attentions of majors and indie labels alike while fighting tooth and nail to retain their artistic independence. Perhaps this is why they have today become not only one of the nation’s most talked about emerging talents, but one of the underground’s best-loved and most prolific live bands as well.

Indeed, despite their young age (they are still only 18 and 19), Durban Poison have played some of the unsigned circuit’s most sought-after venues, including Camden Underworld, the Barfly, Bristol’s Louisiana and Moles Club in Bath. In all, the boys have now played well in excess of 100 gigs, supporting several major acts as well as headlining their own shows, and gathering a veritable army of staunchly dedicated fans along the way. And their fanbase just keeps growing and growing.

Evidence of Durban Poison’s ever-increasing underground popularity can be found on this very page, which today boasts 10,000 friends and almost 50,000 profile views, while their brilliant debut single, ‘Pushing You Away’ (November 27th, 2006) has now received more than 60,000 plays. Even so, ‘Pushing’ remains just one of the band’s ever-expanding catalogue of high-energy rock anthems and instantly infectious tunes. No wonder the industry is finally getting the message!

So why not visit Durban Poison’s new official website and check out all the latest news, blogs, tour dates, radio plays, cool pics, forum chat and more, at: www.durbanpoison.co.uk

Or better still, get yourself down to one of their notoriously kick-ass gigs and taste the Poison firsthand … see you there!

NOTE: Durban Poison’s first full UK tour will begin early in the New Year.

• Rock