An Eastbourne band have launched their debut album at a music store in the town.

Ripchord performed tracks from Chances at the Powerplay shop in Terminus Road yesterday.

Band manager Simon Southgate said: "They have been together for about two years now and played quite a few gigs around Eastbourne.

"We are going up to London to do a showcase for record companies V2 and BMG.

"Ripchord are going to do very well with their album. It's all original material."

The band, made up of five friends from Eastbourne and Hailsham, follow hot on the heels of chart-topping band Toploader, also from Eastbourne.

But Mr Southgate said the comparison had worn a little thin.

He said: "In most interviews we do Toploader are mentioned but Ripchord are a different band and write their own songs."

All the songs were written by lead vocalist and guitarist Ross Towner, 22, from Eastbourne.

The band are due to perform at TJ's night club in Eastbourne on April 4.