One of the most exciting new bands to have emerged from Wales in recent times, The Automatic formed in the not-very-rock 'n' roll town of Cowbridge, but their disco punk sound easily established them as stars.

They formed, as with so many bands, out of boredom. "There wasn't much to do for young people where we live," guitarist James Frost told icWales. "We all love music so we started out playing local gigs, recreation centres, clubs in Maesteg, then it grew."

Initially known as White Rabbit, they changed their name in February 2005 after 18 months together. A demo attracted the attention of Probation Management, an offshoot of Cardiff label FF Vinyl. "It was all tinny electro drums and then it exploded into this hook line of synths, guitars and drums," Probation's Martin Bowen told Sound Nation magazine.

B-Unique, home to Kaiser Chiefs and The Rakes, were among the labels sent the White Rabbit demo by Probation. According to James, "The label turned up at a Barfly gig and we signed there and then. The next week we went with them to Bristol to record a demo."