They've been together less than a year, but already they've released their first CD.

'Planted in the City' has been released by The Narrows, who are comprised of band founders Cullen O'Hara, the keyboardist and vocalist, and Brodie Smith who plays drums and backup vocals. Other band members are Alex Thornton on guitar and backup vocals, and Amaury Symonds on bass.

As far as the band member's backgrounds go, most of them have had formal musical training and Mr. Smith and Mr. O'Hara were part of The Cuztodians, a Bermudian-based punk/ska band from 1999 to 2003. Mr. O'Hara was also the Homegrown Band's lead guitarist from 2005 to 2007 and has played in a handful of bands in California.

While Mr. Thornton and Mr. Symonds are solid Chewstick fixtures and the latter also plays bass for Bad Current, a Bermudian-based alternative sound.

"Music is definitely a passion," said Mr. O'Hara. "We wouldn't put so much time and effort into it if it wasn't so important to us. When it comes down to it, though, it's heaps of fun and that's the bottom line."

They performed at Sunday's Rock in de Park show, but ironically they're not really a 'rock' band. "Unfortunately, Bermudians seem to pigeon-hole music into genres far too often," he added.

"It seems that if it's not reggae or hip hop, it's almost by default, rock, and that's not entirely fair. When I think of rock music, I think of AC/DC or U2 or like Hootie and the Blowfish, but that's not our sound at all.

"I guess you could say we're an Indie band; we've been inspired by the entire musical gamut from jazz, reggae, hip hop all the way to electronic and punk rock.

"We've all been a part of groups that create different styles of music and I think it's that diversity of backgrounds that makes our sound unique. We're high-energy music that is intended to get you to move around, be it on a dance floor or otherwise."

The Narrows are trying to break out of the mould of the 'top 40 cover band', because although there is nothing wrong with that style, it's not what they particularly want to play.

"Ironically, I at least couldn't tell you five songs in the top 40," stated Mr. O'Hara. "I'm kind of out of the loop. We like good music and that's what we try to play, all original and with no pre-set guidelines.

"It's obviously a much tougher task to undertake when your audience has no clue where the songs are going, but it's a good challenge and if we can make a few people start tapping their feet or grooving to the beat, then it's a success."

Although Mr. O'Hara does much of the composing, he admitted it was a collaborative effort when songs are brought to the table.

"We toss ideas into the circle, mess with them and if they work, they stay; if not, no worries," he said.

"It's a blast though, because we're really starting to define our sound. There's a heavy melodic undercurrent in most of our songs that seems to exist in our entire catalogue. We want our music to be effortless in listening; something that you can totally zone out to, but still maintain a high level of energy. It's a difficult task, obviously."

'Planted in the City', a three song EP, is just a starting point for the band.

"The title, which is actually the title of the third track, is about the urbanisation of green spaces, specifically with Bermuda in mind," he said.

"I'm really into the natural history of the Island and the song is about the fairly abrupt transition from expansive countryside to concrete congestion.

"We are hoping to get the full album recorded by the end of the summer, after which we hope to go overseas and push it. We have no expectations, but we all stand behind the music and hope that we can at least get a few people dancing across the pond."

Members of The Narrows love live music. "Brodie and I have both spent several years living abroad and one or our biggest issues with Bermuda is the lack of live entertainment," said Mr. O'Hara.

"If we can help in any way to change the stigma of 'one must play covers' and expose the vast array of talent that resides on this rock, we'd be stoked.

"It does, however, all come down to the audience. Even the best music is useless if it's being played to those who refuse to listen."

Sunday's show was dedicated to the memory of late 441 Promotions' Paul Sofianos, who passed away recently.

"Unfortunately, none of us knew Paul very well, but he was close to those around us so we feel privileged to be involved in the show," he said.

"The songs 'Planted in the City' can be requested on Mix 106.1 FM, or you can listen online at www.myspace. com/thenarrowsbda, or purchase an EP at one of our shows or at various local retailers."