Named after a volcanic disaster which totally wiped out a bustling city on the Caribbean Island of Martinique in 1902, Bristol band The St. Pierre Snake Invasion do their best to bring this heavy gloom to their debut EP with hard-riffing alternative style. Sounding as mental and quirky as AntiProduct on a dark day this self-titled EP is a prime example of grooved-up, crunching anger.

 Opening track, 'Flesh', is a sinister and powerful onslaught, moving slowly forward but with a relentless power like that of a lava flow clearing everything in its path. I'm left thinking of Therapy? on a downer, bringing out vibes that are definitely wrapped up in the 90s alternative school of music, mixing in essences of stoner-rock such as Kyuss and Queens of the Stone Age.

The influence of energised garage pioneers such as The Stooges and The Cramps are more in evidence with 'Ales From The Crypt', a trudging, riffing, quirky song retaining the thumping bass and covering it in some able melodies. 'Safe And Sound', on the other hand, is a forceful thrasher of a tune with a good dose of scream.

The Invasion make use of their influences but those influences are varied, and this debut throws up some great moments. Final track, 'Last Words Of A Bent Cop' is a great pissed-off rocker with the catchy refrain of "your favourite band is shit", following the great snide remark of "I wish we were as good as Razorlight." Smoke is rising in the West Country, and whether you like it or not the The St. Pierre Snake Invasion is now being replayed on our own doomed island.

www.myspace.com/thestpierresnakeinvasion