Pudsey rockers Mariko are out to make rock 'n' roll grand again.

The five-piece, who used to be known as Resin, take their inspiration from classic rock of the 1970s and 80s.

"Over the past months our style has changed a lot and so has our attitude," said bassist Glen Jones.

"We are more like a real rock band now and even though we don't sound like them, very much for the old rock ideals such as Kiss, Queen and Aerosmith were inventing.

"They were the reason that we all learnt to play an instrument. There doesn't seem to be enough 'grandness' in rock anymore and no truly massive bands of that style at the present time.

"Wild groups such as Guns N' Roses have faded away from prominence and also there's not enough sleaze rock around these days. We certainly aim to change that!"

After two years of gigging and building up a following under the name of Resin, the middle of last year brought a crisis for the outfit and the subsequent name change to Mariko.

"It all came about when the band were threatened with legal action over the name by the American band Resin," said guitarist Dan Jackson.

"It meant that we were unable to release any records under that name, so we decided to change it sooner rather than later."

The idea of the new name came from a top Japanese fashion model from the 1970s - and the band are pleased they made the switch. Glen said: "We all think that Mariko is a better name for the band. Resin's music sounded different to the way we are now."

Mariko's line-up also features vocalist Paul Gautrey, guitarist John Emsley and drummer Billy Mitchell.

The band played one of their biggest gigs so far at last year's Carling Weekend at Temple Newsam Park in Leeds.

"That was a brilliant opportunity for us" said Dan. "Over the years we have all been down to watch bands play at the Reading Festival as part of the crowd, but to be able to play in front of such a massive crowd ourselves when the event came to Leeds was a great experience for all of us".

Since then, Mariko have spent a lot of time working in the studio, rehearsing and also recording a promotional demo CD, which was produced by Chris Langdon, younger brother of Royston and Antony from Spacehog - originally from Leeds but now based in New York.

The CD consists of three self-written tracks by the band - User Friendly, Elvis Loves Us and End of The Week.

Mariko are headlining at The Rocket in Leeds, on May 29, with support from One Minute Warning, String Fiction and Loco. Tickets are £4 in advance and £5 on the night.

Simon Ashberry

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