NEW INDIE rock band, The Vertigos, played a sell-out gig in St Albans on Saturday – and launched their first mini album at the same time. The band, made up of five St Albans students from Sandringham and Verulam Schools, played at the Trestle Arts Base in

NEW INDIE rock band, The Vertigos, played a sell-out gig in St Albans on Saturday - and launched their first mini album at the same time.

The band, made up of five St Albans students from Sandringham and Verulam Schools, played at the Trestle Arts Base in Russet Drive.

The Vertigos comprise Matt Taylor, vocals, George Aldridge and James Hull, guitar, Matt Protz, bass, and Chester Carr, drums. They are all currently studying for their A-levels.

Their manager Matt Reid spotted the group in a Battle of the Bands competition in North London and was instantly impressed by their professionalism and the originality of their songs.

He is so confident of their success that he has opened a full-time office to run their affairs and book future gigs.

Five of the band's tracks feature on the self-named The Vertigos album including See Yourself to the Door, All the Ghosts are Leaving and Diamond in the Ritz.

Mark said: "The Vertigos have been quietly bubbling under the surface in St Albans for a couple of years, doing gigs in the Pioneer and other clubs but they could now follow in the footsteps of other local success stories such as Enter Shikari and Friendly Fires."

When band members are not busy with their studies, they spend a lot of time in a studio in Welwyn Garden City. They will soon be making a video and Mark has produced Vertigo t-shirts and other merchandise using Chester's original artwork.

The group were backed at Saturday's gig by Problem Solved, another band featuring local students.

More information about the mini album can be found at www.myspace.com/thevertigos.uk and www.facebook.com/thevertigos