A NEW YORK-based band with a former Southampton man amongst its ranks is to tour Hampshire.

Larch and the WonderWheels formed from two bands to play their UK dates. One was former Southampton resident Ian Roure's The Larch, and the other was Liza and the WonderWheels.

The first tour as one unit took place in August 2006 when the band played a string of dates in Southampton and Winchester pubs.

They return to Hampshire in October, playing pubs in Eastleigh, Warsash, Portswood, the New Forest and Southampton.

Their set is comprised of original songs from each of the two bands that formed Larch and the WonderWheels, as well as covers by artists such as Cyndi Lauper, Echo and the Bunnymen, Syd Barrett and The Kinks.

Both bands are still recording separately and are finishing albums due for release in 2008. CDs will be available at the gigs.

Details of the shows are as follows: Saturday, October 20, 9pm, The Cricketers, 232 Chestnut Avenue, Eastleigh - 023 8062 9878.

Wednesday, October 24, 9pm, The Ferryman, Warsash Rd, Warsash - 01489 573088.

Thursday, October 25, 8pm, The Talking Heads, 320 Portswood Rd, Portswood, Southampton - 023 8067 8446.

Friday, October 26, 9pm, The Gamekeeper, 268 Woodlands Road, New Forest - 023 8029 3093.

Saturday, October 27, 9pm, Jones Winebar, 7 Hanover Buildings, Southampton, (with special guests Tomato Harness) - 023 8022 4787.