Musicians

Highway 5 formed in 2004, following the chance meeting of Noor and Duncan at a bizarre function gig, where they were asked to play guitar and bass together for a few numbers.

After finding a lot of musical similarities, they drafted in local guitar hero Ben Williams on bass as a dep for a couple of gigs, while a permanent bassist could be found.

The unit gelled and Ben remains on bass, although the search for a permanent bass player finished a long time ago.

This fluky coming-together has led to an absolute powerhouse rhythm section, with Duncan's super-tight drumming complemented by Ben crunchingly old-school bass lines - like a mix of Bonham and Bruce!

Overlay this with Noor's Americana and Alt-Country leanings, and you have an unusual sounding outfit.

Noor comments: "I always like to write songs around the feel of the band, and Highway 5 is a fascinating blend of styles for me to work with.

"We veer from extended brooding numbers to balls out rockers."

With Noor's influences including Neil Young, Richmond Fontaine, Drive By Truckers and Wilco, it's hardly surpising that there's a feel of the other side of the Atlantic to the music.

However, as Duncan points out, the songs often feel like they are closer to home:

"Lyrically, the songs really point to daily life - there are songs about drinking, crashing cars, writers block and that Monday morning feeling. They often say that reality is stranger than fiction!"

Highway 5 have had a few up and downs along the way, as Noor recounts:

"One was to do with the water industry, so we had to dress up in raincoats, wellies and hats!

"Damn it was hot on stage! We got the money to buy the PA, but never again, I can tell you!"

On the more positive side the band featured at the 2008 Worcester Music Festival, and considered their set at The Pheasant on the closing evening to be one of the best they've ever produced.

The 2007 release, 'Songs Of Alcohol, Joy and Pain' put a strong mark in the ground for the band, recorded in a no-nonsense, no overdubs style that reflected the band's live sound.

With a good live reputation established in the area, the planned follow-up is intended to be a more studio-based effort, without losing the natural energy of the band.

You can listen to all the latest music from across the two counties on the Friday Session Introducing... every week from 7pm, on BBC Hereford & Worcester. The Music Map success stories are from 6pm.