A switch in personnel sees Children of the Son take another vital step forward in their rock 'n' roll journey, in advance of their Button Factory show in Dublin on Saturday.

The Wicklow outfit, built around the Matthews brothers Max, Art and Jack, have hooked up with 18 year old drumming prodigy Rob Kennedy, who will be occupying the drum stool with the band, as they gear up to record their debut album over the next few months. Kennedy is regarded as one of the finest young drummers in this part of the world, and is sure to bring an extra rhythmic subtlety to the band's already hugely impressive sound. Former drummer Jules Chambers is also likely to remain part of the back room team in COTS' expanding set up.

"Jules is an amazing guy and has done such a wonderful job," a spokesperson for the band told Hot Press. "Along with the rest of the team, he is really determined to see the band step on up to the next level. A drumming talent like Rob's doesn't come along very often, so everyone agrees that we should explore the potential in a collaboration that has fantastic appeal."

With lead singer Jack Matthews having celebrated his 16th birthday yesterday, the average age of the band is now 18. Children of the Son are part of a four-band bill at the Button Factory, in a special pre-St.Patrick's Day gig that will also feature Vann Music, Otherkin and Alibi Trax.