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Known as DRAG, the four piece group combine outlandish live performances with grungy rock, harking back to vintage punk bands of old, albeit with a gritty contemporary feel.

"We want people to be down the pub and telling their mates 'woah I saw this incredible band last night – I'd never seen anything like them before!'" says vocalist Heather Young.

"We are full of energy, totally spontaneous and full of interaction. Our sound is dirty and unpolished. One of the great lures of seeing The Sex Pistols live was you never quite knew what they were going to do. We're like that."

Of course, the golden age of 70s punk may be over but DRAG insist that the time is now for a genuine revival of the cult genre, famed for its raw energy and anti-establishment political messages.

"We're so different to anything else that's out that at the moment," explains Heather. "So much modern music is all very commercial, very safe. It's all indie rock, easy listening. DRAG aren't like anything you've seen or heard.

"Some of our themes are controversial, yes, but they're personal to us. Issues like sexuality and gender. A lot of people are affected by things like that.ΜύSo we touch on these themes and other more risque ideas when so many bands wouldn't dare."

Doing things others wouldn't though is not without sacrifice. As Heather explains, being conspicuous has its downfalls:

"Having a unique identity is great because we stand out. But at the same time it does make getting gigs harder. Venue owners and promoters are reluctant to book a line-up of bands on the same night if they're too different from each other."

Nonetheless, DRAG are convinced that even greater exposure is forthcoming:

You can see DRAG live at the Birmingham Bar Academy on Thursday 9th August 2007. For more information, visit www.birmingham-academy.com