Formed in late 2002 when the remaining members of Telford / Wolverhampton-based band Undertow hooked up with vocalist Steve Braund (a man previously found on the other side of the stage as editor of AmplifyThis and a published journalist in the likes of the NME) VERT soon set about writing and rehearsing solidly whilst injecting their local scene with a much needed sense of urgency and energy. Indeed, an area of the UK previously notable for only Assert and Cancer was soon bombarded! An early recording in February of 2003 'EP1' kick started the VERT assault, monthly residencies at local rock venues and numerous gig swaps in the midlands then furthered the cause and saw the band winning a Telford Battle Of The Bands final in only their third gig! As the band grew, so did their fan base, and in July 2003 VERT dropped 'EP2'. Received warmly by fans and the industry alike the four track disc received a number of highly positive reviews and comparisons to the likes of Lost Prophets and Incubus in the underground press. The coming months saw the band sharing the stage with the likes of The Blueprint, Million Dead, Zero Cipher, Skindred and Steel Rules Die and they quickly became a tight, well honed and infectious live unit. These hectic few months of gigging also saw the band venture further across the UK taking their charismatic mix to Leicester, Northampton, Middlesborough, Sheffield, Birmingham and a slot the Newtown Festival in Wales. Bringing more fans to the fold these live outings also resulted in the band hooking up with new UK clothing company Good Vs Evil for an endorsement. In early 2004 the band began work on their latest release - 'No Retreat, No Surrender'. Not rushing the writing of the material, and now with their own identity stamped firmly on each track of melodic alt-rock, VERT continued to gig regionally whilst preparing to hit the studio. In May the first fruits of the band's labour were released onto the listening public via the Internet. An mp3 for the track 'September' was placed onto Soundclick.com and stayed in the Top 40 of their Rock/Metal charts right through to the turn of the year. Even with industry attention from overseas VERT were not happy to rest on their laurels and promptly booked an 8-date UK tour in support of the EP's release whilst they continue to build their profile and secure a deal on this side of the Atlantic. Prior to the tour, the band amicably parted company with founding member Andy O'Brien after the drummer sought to pursue other interests. In his place, Gaz Ayres was recruited - initially in a stand-in capacity to fulfil the band's touring commitments. Following the tour though, such was the rapport and the energy between the four lads that Gaz was taken on permanently. Following the tour, the band took a couple of months off to write new material before hitting the live circuit again with a band in February 2005. This is where you join us: Energy, melody and power, this is VERT, No Retreat, No Surrender!