The Maine and The Undertones line up gigs

Some of alternative music's most critically-acclaimed names are heading to the West Midlands for a series of gigs. Dave McPherson, DRUGS, The Maine and The Undertones are all planning West Midlands gigs during coming months.

DRUGS will play HMV Institute, in Birmingham, on March 8. It follows the release on February 18, of their self-titled debut album. Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows features the band's signature hardcore sound, which thrives on the powerful voice of lead singer, Craig Owen.

American rock band The Maine will headline the Academy 2, Birmingham, on March 17, playing songs from last year's Black & White album. The Maine formed in Tempe, Arizona, in 2007 and comprises founding members drummer Pat Kirch and bassist Garrett Nickelsen, singer John O'Callaghan V and guitarists Kennedy Brock and Jared Monaco.

Dave McPherson will play The Flapper, in Birmingham, on March 19, to showcase songs from his forthcoming debut album, The Hardship Diaries. The majority of the album was recorded in May 2009 in just over a week and three new songs and an updated version of Hearts Need Blood, seemingly a suite based on the four seasons, were recorded in late September/October 2010.

All tracks were recorded with Mike Curtis and the album will be released on April 10 through Pledge Music.

The Undertones will play the Academy 2, Birmingham, on April 1. The Northern Irish combo formed in 1975 and recently reformed, replacing lead singer Feargal Sharkey with Paul McLoone. The bands hits include Teenage Kicks, Jimmy Jimmy, Here Comes The Summer, My Perfect Cousin and It's Going to Happen.