MUSIC lovers in Huddersfield are set for a shock - at the quality of bands from the town.

A new project has brought together many of the town's rock, pop, hip hop and dance acts on a triple compact disc compilation.

And it even includes a couple of bands from Huddersfield's twin town in France, Besancon.

Two thousand of the compilations have been made - but only 500 are going on sale. The rest are destined for influential people in the music business.

It is a vital part of a campaign to promote the town's music.

The release - called Sounds From A Big Town - has been organised by Huddersfield's community record label the Timeless Music Project, which was set up this year to promote and draw national attention to Huddersfield's music scene.

It is partly paid for by regeneration project Huddersfield Pride.

The idea for the compilation grew from the Timeless Music Festivals in Ravensknowle Park over the last two years. They featured well-known artists such as The Selector, The Freestylers and Zion Train playing alongside local bands.

Pat Fulgoni, of Huddersfield record label Chocolate Fireguard and singer with Huddersfield band Kava Kava, is behind the compact disc.

He had urged musicians to come forward to star on it - and they did.

He said: "Over the next six months or so these compilation CDs will be sent to music industry contacts and conferences, spreading the word that Huddersfield is a thriving music scene."

He added: "It would be great if Huddersfield had a venue which could take up to 400 people and feature bands several nights a week. That would put the town well on the music circuit.

"It's hard when you come from a town, as opposed to a city, to get the music industry interested," said Pat.

"But it is important to get the music out there and taken seriously. That's what this compilation is all about.

"There are quite a few serious contenders on it who are up there with the best of the big city bands."

Some of the compilations are on sale to the public and are at HMV in Kingsgate, Rocks Off on Wood Street and Navajo Know Records, based in FAB clothes shop on St Peter's Street.

The third annual Timeless Festival will be staged at Ravensknowle Park on September 11, subject to a Kirklees Council granting licence. More details of the bands due to play will be released soon.

* The compilation is also available for £10 direct from the Timeless Music Project at PO Box 461, Huddersfield, HD5 8WL. Cheques should be made payable to Timeless Music Project.

IT'S hard to believe there are enough bands in Huddersfield to fill a triple compact disc compilation.

But there are.

And, until you've heard this compilation, it's hard to believe so many are so good.

But there are bands on here who would not sound out of place in the charts.

In fact, they would improve the Top 40 no end and sound the death knell to Pop Idol and its ilk.

The sound covers the full range, from smooth chill out, urban hip hop, jazz, rippling soul funk, reggae and floor-filling big synth dance through to indie power rock, acoustic troubadouring and blood and thunder thrash.

Prepare to have your eyebrows well and truly raised.