Up and coming rock band Beyond The Break are competing in this year’s Swindon Talent ’10 – but are adamant that they are not following in their fathers’ footsteps.

Drummer Dan Waldron and lead guitarist Killian Scott, both 14, say they are “embarrassed’’ by their dads, who play together in Eclipse of the Band.

Dan said: “My dad, Chris, thinks he is musical... he is in a band with Killian’s dad but they don’t have much timing.’’ But the drummer admits that the dads are great at helping with the equipment and being an only child has its advantages too.

“I don’t have to share the drum kit,’’ he said.

Joining Dan and Killian in Beyond The Break are Will Brittain, 14, who plays bass, Tom Zanzi Prosser, 14, who is rhythm guitarist and James Wood, also 14, who is the lead singer.

The guys have had a number of successes in recent months including winning the Wootton Bassett Battle of the Bands which led to airtime on BBC Wiltshire.

They also came third in the Isambard School Battle of the Bands at West Swindon, netting £150 for band funds.

Dan said: “Zanzi goes to Isambard School. In fact we are all spread around Swindon so get more gigs.’’ The guys play rock tunes with a melodic twist and they all chip in to construct songs.

He said: “We do our own sort of thing which is metal riffs on guitar mixed with James’ melodic voice singing about love and stuff – it’s Maroon 5 meets Bring Me The Horizon.’’ Beyond The Break have landed a tour in Belgium next year with the Swindon Rock School and will be entering the Black Horse Battle of the Bands in Wanborough.

Dan said the musicians were looking forward to taking part in Swindon Talent ’10. He said: “It will help us get more gigs and get us out there.”

Swindon Talent ’10 Heats start with Purton Carnival on Friday, June 4, at 7.30pm. Email kevin@purtoncarnival.co.uk or call 07768 456989. Other heats are:

l Highworth Warneford School, on Saturday, June 5, at 7pm. (01793) 762197;

l The Old Town Festival, on Sunday, June 27, at 11.30am, (01793) 642368;.

l Lydiard Park, on Saturday, July 10, at noon, (01793) 465353;.

l Wootton Bassett School, on Saturday, July 24, at noon, (01793) 841900

There will also be an open mic heat at the Arts Centre in Old Town on Tuesday, July 6, from 6pm where artists can turn up on the night, (01793) 466565.

The finals will be at the Wyvern Theatre on Sunday, August 8.

The contest is run in collaboration with the Swindon Advertiser, Swindon 105.5, Wyvern Theatre and Swindon Arts Centre.

To enter log on to www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/ news/talent10.

Rules:

Every act must perform for four minutes and must be amateur, not earn their living by entertainment, and must live or work in Wiltshire.

Entry is open to any age, but under 16s need signed permission from a parent or guardian. Organisers have the right to refuse entries.