I am writing in response to David Broughton's comments about Keane (Letters, July 29).

Bland, boring and characterless is how he describes Keane's music. Okay, everyone has their own opinion, but let's not knock Sussex bands.

We need more local bands to get a break and achieve airplay and success.

I am not in the under-25 age group, which Mr Broughton suggests Keane's fans are. I think Keane's music is classy, vibrant and has excellent lyrics.

Their singles have also been featured as background music on a couple of trailers to television programmes recently.

I agree that Lost In Riots by Hope of the States should have been a Mercury nominee. I don't know if Mr Broughton has problems with his ears but Keane's music is hardly the same as the music that Cliff Richard churns out.

Let's hope more Sussex bands achieve success like Toploader, Electric Soft Parade and Keane.

-Anthony Woods, Hove