THE dribble of pop from New York drops another group off in Wales next week - French Kicks - who are playing the Barfly.

A four-piece band, French Kicks play pop forced off kilter in a desperate attempt to create a new sound, hence their Franco handle... they're saying they are a bit exotic!

Alan McGee's post-Creation record label, Poptones, is responsible for their presence in the UK.

The band was repackaged for Britain in the same way "the man who discovered Oasis" took The Hives from Sweden.

The band's mini album, Young Lawyer, which was originally released on the American-based label, My Pal God, had three extra tracks from the band's eponymous debut EP tacked onto the end for the UK release. The response was fairly favourable.

Now based in New York, French Kicks are from the far less trendy Washington DC.

Singing drummer Nick Stumpf had been playing with guitarist Matt Stinchcomb since their schooldays, when they met their future bassist, Jamie Krents, with whom they relocated to New York and formed French Kicks with keyboard player and guitarist Josh Wise.

Their EP and mini album followed quickly, proceeded by their debut album, One Time Bells, which they recorded in 2001 in producer Greg Telenfeld's studio in New York. French Kicks play Barfly, Cardiff, on Friday, April 19, with Parva and Sexy Vegas Superstars in support. Gig starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £4. For more information dial (029) 2066 7658.