Irish noiseniks the Revs have signed an international licensing deal with Sony Music, guaranteeing the trio releases across Europe, the Middle East, Japan, Africa and Asia, as well as financial support for the promotion of their new album.

"It's great news," says Robert Stephenson, the band's manager and boss of Treasure Island, their Irish label. "We took the route of a license deal over a conventional label deal for several reasons. Firstly, it leaves the artistic control in the hands of the artist, so all of the production will take place in Ireland. Secondly, it keeps the jobs and the work here. We're using an Irish producer, Michael Richards, to do the album. Thirdly, it gives the band a higher percentage than if they were signed directly. So effectively we're getting the best parts of what a label would have to offer with distribution and marketing etc, but still retaining control."

The Donegal lads are currently holed up in the studio working on their second LP, the follow up to the gold-selling live debut Sonic Tonic, which is scheduled for release in February 2003, with a single preceding it in January.

"Already, one month into recording, you can tell that it's going to be a huge album. Every single track is just brilliant. There's much more of a depth and maturity to what they're recording now than anything they've done before."

Speaking exclusively to Hot Press, Stephenson also confirmed talk of a secret Irish gig on December 14. Although the venue is still to be announced, information will be posted on the band's website and hotpress.com, giving Irish fans the first opportunity to hear the Revs' new material before they jet off for a European and Asian tour over 2003.