There are many rumours surrounding the strange name of Brit pop band The Hoosiers, who are returning to Swindon this month.

Some believe they are named after a film about a basketball team, others because they spent some time in Indiana, where a citizen is colloquially called a Hoosier.

Whatever the reason the odd pop trio burst upon the music scene in 2007 with their kooky songs involving a mix of music genres and crazy onstage antics. They captured the imagination of a huge following with such hits as Run Rabbit Run, Cops and Robbers, Worried About Ray which made it to number five in the UK charts and Goodbye Mr A was a barnstormer. Their debut album, The Trick To Life, went to number one in the charts followed up by Bumpy Ride named after their website.

At the time they described themselves as Odd Pop but since then the boys have reinvented themselves into a more conventional pop band, minus the moustaches and long hair.

The album The Illusion of Safety featuring the single Choices saw the current line-up of Irwin Sparkes (lead vocals, lead guitar), Martin Skarendahl (bass guitar, rhythm guitar) and Alan Sharland (drums, percussion) breakaway from their record label and now the guys make a welcome return to Swindon to perform at the MECA, Regent Circus on Saturday March 24 from 6.30pm. Tickets are £16 in advance plus booking free from 01793 495527.