THEY'RE in demand across the globe, but there's no place like home.

Excitement is mounting for next week's sold out homecoming show for Southampton's own Band of Skulls.

Not least among the band themselves.

The three piece - Russell Marsden (vocals and guitar), vocalist and bassist Emma Richardson and drummer Matt Hayward - will be showcasing their fourth studio album By Default at Engine Rooms on Thursday.

"Playing the place where we grew up is really special to us," says Matt, who grew up in Bassett.

"It's special but nerve-racking. You know a lot of people, which is an added pressure. It's an interesting feeling, but it's always brilliant. We turn it into a real celebration."

The record was written and rehearsed in a rented city church and includes reverbs from the church laid down in a recording studio in Wales.

By Default is the follow up to Baby Darling Doll Face Honey (2009), Sweet Sour (2012) and Himalayan (2014).

Band of Skulls are widely considered one of the UK's best guitar bands and play worldwide, heading to Australia following the conclusion of the UK leg of their tour.

Their music has been used for everything from Hollywood movies like The Twilight Saga: New Moon and The Hangover Part II to top video games including Guitar Hero and Gran Turismo 5, via the popular TV shows Gossip Girl and Britain's Next Top Model.

They've appeared on Later...with Jools Holland and were the subject of a Channel 4 documentary showcasing their journey from jamming in Southampton bars to global tours.

Band of Skulls have also managed to fit in a Glastonbury slot and supporting Stereophonics at Cardiff City Stadium around UK tour dates this year.