IT'S the unlikeliest of popular beat combos. When two friends from Liverpool met a duo while travelling in Eastern Europe they could hardly imagine that music critics everywhere would today be heralding their shared pop sensibilities.

Ladytron have emerged as new darlings of the music world following the Light And Magic album release - chronicling songs about spatial girls, Spanish comedowns, hotel fires and cheap models.

It's a perfect sound heralded by swirling keyboards and a style that placed Ladytron at the forefront of the electro-clash/nu-electro synthcore movement. (Phew!)

They are certainly a rarity among a music scene dominated by DJ led acts with influences that seem far removed from their contemporaries.

Released in 2001, the debut album, 604, is now regarded by many as a seminal record, marrying 80's electronica with pure pop.

The album received very favourable reviews on its release, with Muzik naming it 'the first great electro record of the new Millennium.'

604's songs made an impact both at home and abroad - He Took Her To A Movie was singled out for particular praise.

Ladytron are Danny Hunt, Reuben Wu, Mira Aroyo and Helen Marnie who have been busy cementing their newfound status during a UK tour, including performances in Liverpool and Manchester.

In early 2002, Ladytron headed west to Los Angeles and into the studio to work with Mickey Petralia (Beck, Beastie Boys) and resulting in new album Light and Magic.