(hooker) are a gloriously brash Manchester-based femme-punk outfit. Creating sounds that oscillate between delicate and bruised, and fiercely raw and dynamic; (hooker) are emotive, dirty, beautiful. (hooker) are one of Manchester's most engaging and powerful live acts, touring regularly in the UK, supporting bands such as The Slits, The Gossip, Interpol, Le Tigre, 50ft Wave, Uh Huh Her, Katastrophy Wife, Brassy, Television and The Donnas, as well as playing a string of gigs and festivals in Europe, including shows in Amsterdam, Berlin, Bordeaux, Cologne, Leiden, Madrid, Toulouse and Paris. 'It's a complete mystery why they are not absolutely massive' - Manchester Music (hooker) took part in the TV pilot of 'The Next Big Thing', winning the heart of the legendary Toyah Willcox, and going on to win the final, and the title of 'The Next Big Thing 2009' at London's Clapham Grand. "Back when (hooker) started out the idea that an emotionally-charged femme-punk trio could crash into the nation's mainstream airwaves would have got you laughed at - but yesterday a performance by the chart-stealing Gossip brought Manchester Pride its most mixed audiences yet. How many of them knew we've got one of our own, and with better tunes to boot?" Manchester Music
