THEY ARE: Aimee Echo (vocals), Jamie Miller (bass, keyboards), Scott Ellis (drums), Mike Smith (guitar) FROM: Los Angeles, California THEY SOUND LIKE: The late 70's new wave sound dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st Century: a little bit retro, a little bit heavy, a little bit pop. THEY LOOK LIKE: Former Human Waste Project and Snot members togged out in sharp new suits and slick hairstyles. THE LOWDOWN: Known until the end of last year as Hero, the quartet have finished recording their debut album with Josh Abraham. Insiders have tipped them for the sort of success that Echo's former outfit Human Waste Project missed out on. THEY SAY Aimee and the boys are keeping mysteriously quiet for now, but here are a few song titles: 'Glimmer Man', 'Gorgeous', and 'Hang On Me'. INTERNET ADDRESS:www.thisisthestart.com NEXT MOVE: The album is released in the summer on Atlantic Records, with a tour to follow.

With KoRn, Slipknot and Incubus all about to take over the world, a new wave of American psychos are ready to step into their shoes. From the demented death-pop of Deadsy and THESTART to the heavyweight grooves of Disturbed and Professional Murder Music, this is the sound of the future...