TWO song writing pals are hoping to put Bolton on the musical map with their new single and album.

Modern Family Unit — made up of Gary Hilton and Steve Southern — will release single Mmm mmm mm aah on Monday, followed by album Religion on April 27.

The single is currently being remixed by producer Mark Reeder, who has worked with New Order, Pet Shop Boys and Depeche Mode, after it was recommenced to him by legendary Hacienda DJ Dave Haslam.

Singer-songwriter Mr Hilton's previous music projects include 1990s band Moses Gate, which featured a then unknown guitarist by the name of Damon Gough who went on to become Badly Drawn Boy.

Influenced by the likes of New Order, Depeche Mode and Joy Division — as well Gorillaz — Modern Family Unit blends classic 1980s new wave with a contemporary sound and production values.

After a busy six months, they have recruited a PR company, Plugger and are exploring deals with independent record labels.

Mr Hilton, aged 48, who lives in Four Lane Ends, likens his latest venture and impending single/ album release to his five-year-old son's first day at St Andrew's School, Over Hulton.

He said: "I'm really chuffed we have got a great piece of work but it's a lot like somebody stealing your child."

Self-taught musician Mr Southern, from Johnson Fold, has been involved in the music industry for more than two decades and has worked with organisations including Harmony Youth Project over the years.

The pair have a fiercely independent streak which they say prevents their tracks from "sounding like everything else out there".

Father-of-two Mr Hilton, originally from Little Lever, added: "It's nothing like anything we have done in the past.

"Before Christmas, it was a case of let's see what happens. Now we have had a couple of approaches from independent record companies.

"We would really like to fly the flag for Bolton. We would like to get Bolton some kind of credibility."

Further information can be found at modernfamilyunit.co.uk.