For teenage rockers Plain N Dirty, 2009 has symbolised maturity.
It is a musical evolution that has propelled the group to a new dimension.

A dimension shaped by the discovery of new influences, and with that, a new sound.

It is a progression that has shaped, and perfectly crafted, Death By Stereo – the band's newly-released first album.

Because, for long-standing band members, Alex Pardey, 17, and 18-year-olds John Arkle and Nikky Watson – their debut nine-track LP is the climax of musical experimentation.

Add to that the addition of a new bass player – 16-year-old Dagan Wilkin – and it is a case of no looking back for the leather-clad sleazy rock quartet.

Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Alex says: "We had done two EPs before but we didn't feel like we had found our sound yet.

"We were influenced by more classic rock and we went down the rock direction but the EPs weren't quite as punchy as our new material. We were still trying to find something we were all confident with.

"But we now market ourselves as sleaze rock. It is very popular in Scandinavia and we feel like we have found our sound and when you compare the two EPs to the album, it just shows how far we have come and how much we have improved.

"We are now anxious to see what the future holds."

The group recorded the album at Alnwick's Mill Studios. It was a fitting moment for the band who have been together for around three years.

Alex said: "It was a pretty big thing for us all.

"There is a lot of thought that goes into it and I am really pleased with what we have come up with. It sends out a positive message.

"To have a full length album, professionally produced, it really feels like you're achieving something and going somewhere."

And going somewhere they are.

Death By Stereo has already been snapped up by hoards of music fans. Alex himself admits the band have been overwhelmed by the support it has got.

Meanwhile, the Dirty crew's popularity is emphasised by a busy schedule of live performances.

It is all positives for the band, all aged between 16 and 18, who come from north Northumberland, where chances to be heard can be drowned out by rural isolation.

Alex said: "I do think there could be more opportunities in Alnwick itself for bands.

"There are some venues but they aren't really suited for our sort of music."

In fact, it is the internet which has really helped the band, who use it as their main weapon to explode to prominence.

"MySpace has been really helpful. Without MySpace, we wouldn't have half the gigs we have now.

"It is an integral part of what we do by keeping in touch with promoters," says Alex.

So, with their first album under their belt, and carried by a new sound, what does the rest of the year hold for Plain N Dirty?

Alex said: "We would like to get as many gigs as possible and we want to bridge out and show the rest of the UK what we do."

And with gigs already lined up in venues as far as Leeds and Coventry, and with 1,105 friends on MySpace – this could well be the case.