WELL done to the winners of our Support Slot competition who were Manic Minor from Colchester.

They won the chance to support Angry Vs the Bear at Colchester Arts Centre in a Gazette competition.

They impressed the panel of judges with their edgy indie rock sound, although it was a pretty close run thing with Colchester five-piece This Blank Page.

Some gig-goers may recall Manic Minor in their previous incarnation, Chopper, whose claim to fame, according to band member Patrick Hasler (bass and lead vocals), was that they came second to the bar staff at the Twist in Military Road, Colchester, at a Battle of the Band competition.

Patrick added: “We think that counts as a win. ”

Thankfully Patrick, along with Nathan Wacey (guitar and backing vocals) and John Payne (drums and backing vocals), decided to give it another go in 2006 and their first gig was supporting up-and-coming Koopa at the Doncaster Leopard.

Patrick said: “We reformed as Manic Minor and since then have been leisurely been building up a set of self-penned songs we are very proud of.”

Described as a cross between Weezer, Wedding Present and Green Day, the band have been mainly playing the local gig circuit, but more recently have been playing further afield to promote debut album Club Sober.

It was recorded last year at Nathan’s Long Track Studios, located just outside Colchester, and is available on iTunes.

They will now support Angry Vs the Bear at the Colchester Arts Centre on February 18.

Patrick said: “We’re chuffed.

“We’ve always wanted to play the arts centre so this is a great opportunity for us.”

Doors open at 8pm and tickets are priced £6, available in advance from the box office on 01206 500900 or online at www.colchesterartscentre.com