CHRISTMAS has come early for The Jade Assembly lads who have signed a record deal with the same label that helped launch Elbow's career.

They have paired up with Ugly Man Records, an independent label which took on Guy Garvey's fledgling band back in 2000 for their first proper EP before they were eventually signed to Richard Branson's V2 in 2001.

The Bolton indie-rock band has already self-released two singles and grown a big following in their hometown and beyond – with former Inspiral Carpet and Radio X DJ, Clint Boon calling them "the best guitar band since Kasabian".

The four-piece, featuring John Foster on vocals and guitar, Gareth Smedley on guitar, Danny Hayes on bass, and Andy Watson on drums, say it is a dream come true for them.

John said: "Ugly Man Records and Guy Lovelady have helped us achieve what we've been working towards for the past few years.

"This is going to give us the platform for our music to be listened to by thousands of people — and that's always been the dream."

The Jade Assembly's sound has been described as an "inescapable force of conviction" that mixes power and passion, while frontman John, aka Fozz, has been dubbed the latest in the line of northern poets that starts with Morrissey and ends with Noel Gallagher.

So far the lads have played a number of standout venues including the Macron Stadium — home of their beloved Bolton Wanderers — and their loyal followers have been dubbed the Jade Army.

Guy said: "As a label we have been going for 30 years next year and have signed a number of great bands, most notably Elbow, who are from Bolton's neighbouring Bury.

"The Jade Assembly are amazing musicians, but what makes you want to work with them is the fact they're great lads with qualities that transcend into their music. Hearing the things they have been doing, such as their performances at Bolton Wanderers, is really exciting for us.

"Our big challenge now is to get the band on the BBC, which I think is very likely. You never know, Guy Garvey might give them some airtime on his radio show."

The lads will celebrate their new beginning by playing at the record label's Christmas 'do at Night & Day in Manchester on December 10. They will return back home to play at Bobs Smithy Inn in Chorley Old Road for an acoustic gig on December 27.