There are some who would swear that in life, playing Hard Funk is as an essential ability to have as say, learning to read, or counting to 15 without stopping. Whether these opinions are grounded in any reality is open to mediation and a certain amount of diplomatic negotiation. But really, there's no need to worry anymore.

The capabilities found in the hands and souls of "The Viables", whose skills in this area are strictly non-negotiable; will more than carve a pathway for those who continue to live on the outside. Spawned from a combination of symbiotic fluids in the early 90's, the band quickly observed the art of the Chameleon. In their present guise, armed only with a pincer tight collection of chunks of Funk, the five piece outfit are putting it out into the London night.

Holding the smooth to ransom and deadlocking the Rat Race. With no hint of doubt - "The Viables...."

• James Howard - bass
• Dan Bezalel - guitars / vocals
• Howard Payne - drums
• Jonathan Gow - keyboards / flute
• Nick Spevock - percussion
• Becky - vocals