A NEWPORT trio have returned to their home town to play a gig before releasing their first EP on January 19.

The Hearts is made up of childhood friends Alex Nash, (guitar and lead singer) Hamish Kay (guitar) and Jamie Roberts (bassist), all 25. Mr Nash and Roberts attended St Albans RC High School in Pontypool and Mr Roberts went to Bassaleg School.

The rock band kicked off their summer playing at Hyde Park’s British Summer Time festival which featured Arcade Fire and to crowds of more than 5,000 at Cardiff Castle in support of Paul Weller. They returned to a familiar hangout when they performed at Le Pub last Thursday.

Mr Nash, from Cwmbran,said: “The first gig with the three of us was in TJ’s before it closed down. The music scene in Newport is a lot of fun.

“We love playing at Le Pub – it’s a venue that’s helped form so many friendships and great bands have played there.”

All three take part in the songwriting process and have written 13 tracks for the debut album. The video of one track, Lips, has received 10,000 hits on YouTube.

Mr Nash said the band’s name comes from putting your heart into everything: “The best part about being in a band is chucking your gear in a van with your best mates and performing to a crowd. There’s nothing better.”