The Undertones at Bristol University by Simon Kinner

Although they were outwardly the most conservative of all the New Wave bands - while the rest were wearing safety pins and ripped tee shirts - they sported brightly-coloured sweaters in reality The Undertones were the least conventional.

Their continual refusal to adhere to the punk tradition may have brought them less publicity - but has ensured that they outlasted the fashion. Whilst their immense musical ability has meant that they've had a regular string of hits.

So today - now that the rowdy guitar chords and anarchic lyrics are strictly out of style - The Undertones are still there with their unique brand of frenetic melodies and refreshingly uncluttered songs.

Their success stems from their ability to combine the more simple commercial elements of pop and bright vocal harmonies with a distinctive undercurrent of aggression - bringing New Wave music to a much wider audience.

Ironically - in spite of their obvious commercial potential - they are currently without a recording contract. As companies bid for the names that have already brought such hits as Wed Week - My Friendly (sic) Cousin and Jimmy Jimmy - that is clearly a situation that will change very quickly

Meanwhile The Undertones are forced to spend more time with their lawyers and record company executives than doing what they do best - writing and performing some of the finest pop music around today.