Anyone who’s ever been to Derby will agree with me when I say it’s a shit hole. It really is one of the most dull, eventless cities in England. However, Derby has one thing going for it at the moment; it’s music scene. Best known for it’s punk acts, for years the city has swarmed with 14 year old school bands who’s average set consists of five Blink 182 covers, a few Green Day renditions and the odd massacre of an 80’s rock classic. And, as far as I’m aware, the only one of those school punk bands lucky enough to achieve much through their music is Lightyear.

Recently, things have begun to change. You’ve probably heard me raving on about the likes of Plans and Apologies somewhere along the lines, but for the first time, I’ve found a Derby punk band who even I have to agree have a lot of musical worth.

Fallout40 are far more than the average Derby punk spiel. Indeed, I find it very hard to believe that they’re not already signed. Their latest release, ‘4 Steps To Hypocrisy’ boasts four energetic, uplifting tracks. The first of which, ’Useless Sentiment’ makes recent releases by bands such as the Alkaline Trio seem barely more than album-filler b-side drivel.

With a reliable, striking blend of heavy, thorny guitar lines, Billy-Joe-Armstrong-esque vocals and blood curdling, spine quivering screams, tipped with some of the most entrancing hooks and choruses this side of the Atlantic, these are four songs it’s practically impossible not to adore. True, Fallout40 present nothing you haven’t heard somewhere before, but as the same time, nothing you wouldn’t die to hear a million times more.

If I were to tip one local band for the top, hands down, it’d be Fallout40. Remember the name, make note of it. With any luck, you’ll be hearing it again soon.

To hear an MP3 of the first track, 'Useless Sentiment' click here.