Band Donnie Brasco releases EP on old-fashioned vinyl.

HARDCORE punk music is enjoying a spirited revival in East Devon.

Donnie Brasco, a melodic punk band with members based in Axminster, Seaton and Chard, is in the limelight after releasing an EP, Split It Up, on old-fashioned vinyl.

Lead singer Chris Webber, from Axminster, said: “The record has been gaining some really positive reviews on forums and websites which is nice to hear, but, ultimately, we’re really happy to finally have a proper record out.”

Lockjaw Records released the EP, which also features band As We Sink.

It was released on vinyl on July 26 and is also available to download.

Donnie Brasco’s featured tracks are Forever Till The End and From Hate Through To Hurt.

He added: “It’s been selling pretty well. We have sold a few at gigs and many people are downloading it.”

“We just hope that it will gain us a bit of exposure and we hope to get a few gigs and keep going as we are.”

The band is made up of members Paul Birks, Tom Fiction, Jake Richardson, Chris Webber, Rich Beer and Ric Webber, and was formed after a previous band, The Candidates, split up to enable members to pursue a different musical direction.

Donnie Brasco has been performing across the South West with regular shows in Plymouth, Exeter and Torquay, as well as Manchester and Bristol.

They have also been supporting US bands Bane and Crime in Stereo.

A two track demo was recorded at Stakeout Studios in London and received airplay on the Mike Davies Lock Up Show on Radio 1 with the track Death Drive.

Mr Webber said: “We just hope to keep playing all over the country and, hopefully, get over to Europe and play a few shows over there.”

Donnie Brasco is also planning to record an eight track album and embark on a European tour with another band next year.

The band will be performing at The Smugglers in Seaton alongside Axminster band My Deprivation on Saturday, August 21. Entry is free.

To listen to Donnie Brasco visit www.myspace.com/godonniebrasco