RUMOURS were rife about the future of Blackburn's favourite indie exports as they played this special low-key gig.

Even though the gig had only ever been scheduled to air new material after a dreadful few months for the band, it seemed the knives had already been sharpened.

Was it to be a farewell to the venue which had hosted them throughout a whirlwind romance with the fickle music industry?

Had they been dropped like a stone from their once-adoring record label? And was this the last ironic twist of the dream that had taken them from the home town pub circuit to sharing a stage as with the Rolling Stones?

But as the fans packed into the Cellar Bar's courtyard on an unseasonably warm November evening, the quartet of Danny Davidson, Graham Rodgerson (pictured), Jason Place and Lee Walsh soon set about putting those rumours to the sword. They opened with the lively, acoustic-driven Lay Down, which boasts an instantly accessible groove alongside a sweet melody.

As the lid was lifted on the new batch of songs, there was no great departure from The 'Burn's natural sound, apart from a sideways step away from the blues. Sounding more modern and perhaps more relevant, the standout track had to be I Fear The Ground, which had "single" stamped all over it.

Only two tracks from their debut album Sally O'Mattress featured in the 12-song set. Drummer Lee Walsh took centre stage and delivered a powerful rendition of Steel Kneel. But it was the rousing rendition of Calling All that got many to their feet. Now facing what must be most critical stage of their career, where the decisions they have made will make or break them, they have more than the odd ace up their sleeve -- in fact they have a whole hand of great songs.

So put away those knives. There's plenty of life left in The 'Burn.