SWINDON band Opus Sentinel recently won a battle of the bands heat in London.

The musicians competed at The Fountain off Tottenham High Street against three other bands: the Croft, Vantage Point and Blind Frog.

They have won through to the semi finals on Thursday, July 20.

Tom Murawicki, a country park ranger for Swindon Council, and the bass player, said: We rocked with 25 minutes of tempo'ed music, thumping the bass round the room. We gave them foot-tapping beats drumming out, searing guitar lines and powerful punchy vocals.''

This Friday (July 7) the band are competing in Swindon's own Battle of the Bands, the brain child of Paul Allen, landlord of the Queen's Tap, Station Road.

Alongside Tom there is the lead singer Heather Knowles who has a house full of cats and enjoys listening to The Police.

Pete Mallaband is the guitarist who has a love affair with Les Paul Gibsons and wind surfing.

The drummer is Ed Hanfrey who is a chef that is into noise and Ribena.

Fans of Opus Sentinel can catch a coach up to London to support their music heroes in the Battle of the Bands at The Fountain for £5, including gig entry.

Telephone Tom for tickets on Swindon 694555.