AMBITION is something The Delaners are clearly not lacking, and they are seeking to shake their NME magazine tag as art rock's best kept secret.

The Medway act have boosted their profile over the last year with gigs around the country and a residency at London's Borderline Club.

Topping this, they have just returned from Portugal for an unlikely gig at the Harley Davidson Festival.

"It was a bit strange at first being out there in the heat, and we were just expecting a crowd full of bikers, but it was a real mixed bunch and it went really well," said the band’s frontman Pete Jackson, who may be fairly short in stature, but not short on things to say about his band.

Named after the breed of spider responsible for instilling Spiderman with his super hero powers, they formed in 2002, but as the singer explained, the four-piece had largely been playing in groups together since their school days in Sittingbourne.

While it may have taken them some time to get some recognition there is an optimism within their ranks after receiving a strong reception at their recent series of gigs.

"We have a really good relationship as a band as we’ve grown up together, and though we may argue sometimes, we have been a band far too long for anything to unsettle us.

"I’m very proud of The Delaners and it's a great feeling to be playing with three of my best mates and a getting up there on stage is a real buzz."

Momentum has been maintained with two recording stints. The first was at Oasis's studios in Berkshire, which offered a premier league environment in which to lay down some demos.

A little closer to home they have been working with veteran producer Jim Riley in Medway, which they have found particularly enjoyable.

"Jim is a real legend in the area and has made so many groups round here sound really good.

"I haven't been keeping up with all that’s gone on in Medway, we're just focusing on the music really which I suppose is a bit selfish, but I think there is a good music scene round here.

"As for us we are aiming to get a major record deal, we don’t want to just get something for one single and then that's it."

With their residency at the Borderline continuing, several Kent dates on the horizon and confirmation of playing alongside the likes of Graham Coxon and The Zutons at the Secret Garden Party Festival in Cambridge, they are putting in the hours. The best kept secret is out.

The Delaners play the Borderline in London on Saturday, June 24. Box office 0207 5346970 and the Tap n' Tin in Chatham on Thursday, July 20. For details call 01634 847926.