IF YOU'RE looking for the band that epitomises New York cool it has to be The Strokes.

Their huge success has an air of effortlessness, as if they decided to make chart-topping, award-winning music just for the hell of it.

They are stopping off at Portsmouth Guildhall tomorrow as part of a 12-date UK tour.

If you have managed to get your hands on tickets for the gig your should be in for a top night.

The Strokes are recognised as having had a profound effect on the British music scene with bands such as Franz Ferdinand and The Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs following in their wake but never equalling them.

Their impact on new music is particularly impressive when you consider the fact that the band was only formed in 1999.

The indie rock band consists of Julian, Nick, Albert, Fabrizio and Nikolai.

Although they only formed six years ago, their roots go back much further.

Julian and Nikolai were childhood friends while Julian met Albert when the pair were sent to boarding school it Switzerland.

They started off as an underground band but it wasn't long before they burst onto the mainstream and their popularity shows no sign of waning.

n The Strokes tour is sold out but returns may be available from the box office. For more information, call 023 9282 4355.