Circus? is not a punk band. Of that they're adamant. But the three lads who make up one of Keighley's brightest rock hopes aren't so sure what they are.

They're not even definite about their influences, apart from insisting there should be no comparisons with Nirvana.

Such a reluctance to be pigeonholed is not unusual in local bands, and often it suggests a wishy-washiness about the music they plan. But not so with Circus? - when I saw them play last summer they displayed an admirable assurance, precision and clear sense of direction.

Then I called them a "punk band with polish", praising both their energy and their tight musicianship. I thought I was seeing a very good bunch of young hopefuls: I didn't realise how much rehearsal and live experience had gone into their performances.

By the time they met 18 months ago, singer-guitarist Tony Ousey had been practising with other line-ups for two years and drummer Mickey Waddington and bassist Toby Izod had clocked up 12 months in the rehearsal room.

The trio soon began gigging - all three making their live debut supporting The Undecided in Haworth in summer 2000 - and now they have a heavy schedule around West Yorkshire.

Coming up is a gig tonight at Bradford Rio - not the Love Apple Caf as I wrote last week - with support from Keighley band Nosebone. Both bands return to Bradford on December 2 - this time really to the Love Apple - then it's on to Joseph's Well in Leeds on December 29.

A new demo CD is on the horizon: they recorded one five months ago but the band feels it is no longer typical of their current sound. And there'll be no chasing a deal yet, no bombarding record companies with tapes, pictures and witty biography.

"The idea is just to gig, to get exposure, get word of mouth going before we spend lots of money on demos," says Tony. But what exactly is the sound that will get those mouths going as Circus? works itself hard on the live circuit?

Tony suggests all three band members put forward their of influences: the results are Silverchair, Pixies, Green Day and Misfits. But the exercise isn't entirely successful - Mickey can't think of any influences and Toby hasn't heard of one of Tony's bands.

"It's a mixture of punk and grunge, mostly originals with one or two covers," is the best I can get out of the band after much deliberation.. So the advice is the usual "see for yourself" - but at least with this band you're unlikely to be disappointed.