BOROUGH Green may not seem a likely breeding ground for heavy metal heroes, but four-piece hardcore act Kobrakai are doing their bit to prove otherwise.

The energetic young outfit are capable of churning out the kind of raw sound that attracts big crowds full of angst-ridden teens.

So far they are enjoying playing to a fast-growing fanbase and their early demos have been given some encouraging reviews in leading music magazines including Kerrang and Metal Hammer.

On top of this, they have supported the hotly-tipped Towers Of London, who have been receiving much praise in the national media and are about to release their debut album.

"We thought they were actually quite arrogant and don’t get on with people like that," explained Kobrakai’s confident bass-player Chris Smith.

At 19, he admits they have some way to go to hone their sound but are gaining confidence.

Their last single in the Shadows is a noisy affair but shows promise- especially with the addition of a strong acoustic track that proves there’s more to them than the largely screamed vocals of their imposing-looking singer Glenn Dixon.

"I’ve always loved music and always used to play around the house. I have taken out a loan of £5,000 to do this and the only person who has another job is our singer, so this is absolutely a full-time thing.

"We’ve just played the Stable competition at Tunbridge Wells Forum where we came second, which was great. It’s definitely our favourite place to play in Kent," added Chris of his entrance into the band, which was formed by their female drummer Caz Pleavin.

She is proving something of a secret weapon for them and can lay claim to being one of the very few women behind the drumkit on the metal scene.

"Some people have given us stick for having a girl drummer, but the people that recorded our demo said she is better than most of the lads they have seen. She won’t take rubbish from anyone."

As the bassist who has been influenced by Welsh metal act Funeral For A Friend explained, there is a good deal of frustration surrounding the local scene at the moment. Their efforts to set up a band night at the Borough Green Village Hall were swiftly dismissed by the council.

"There are so many good bands out there who are crying out for venues to play in, but with license fees going up, people can’t afford to put on live music."

Yet the fortunes of these former West Kent College students are taking an upward turn and are psyched up for their tour which calls at with a tour of county venues fast approaching.

Though they are fans of the leading metal acts such as Lost Prophets, much to their annoyance, they are not as most have though, named after one of their songs.

"Everyone thinks the name comes from them, but in fact it’s actually from the baddies dojo in Karate Kid!"

- KobraKai play the following venues - West Kent College, Tonbridge Friday, May 6; The Red Lion Gravesend, Saturday, May 27; The Zebra Bar, Maidstone on June 3; Kings Hall, Dover on June 9; The Oast House, Rainham on June 10; The Forum Tunbridge Wells on June 12.

For details see www.myspace.com/kobrakaiband.