Big Linda, one of Classic Rock’s fave up-and-coming bands, are on the hunt for a new singer following the surprise departure of Rob Alder.

Talking exclusively to Classic Rock, drummer Geoff Holroyde is clearly disappointed with the way things have turned out.

“What happened was that we went down to Sawmills Studios in Cornwall, to record our second album with producer Emre Ramzanoglu. The way we always work is that we don’t get everything written – verse, chorus, verse, chorus – but get a vibe going and play around with that.

“We had just four days to do 15 tracks, and I have to say that the music we laid down was really exciting all of us. It’s got a real early 70s live feel to it, which I don’t think many bands have these days.”

The problem came with the vocals. And Holroyde admits there were ongoing concerns about Alder.

“He’d seemed to be a little distant for a while. So much so that I asked him if he was still committed to this, and he assured me that he had some great ideas for the record – and then he blew his voice out on the first day in the studio.”

As time ticked away, Alder was unable to get anything going. It was decided that everyone should take a break for Christmas. But when they returned, Alder dropped the bombshell.

“Rob had taken a six-week carpentry course, although that was supposed to be so he could earn money while in the band. But then Rob said that he was leaving, to concentrate on the carpentry! To be honest, I don’t think he could step up a level, which is what we needed with the new record. But it has left us wondering what to do next.”

Right now, Holroyde, Patrick Murdoch (guitar) and Vezio Bacci (drums) are totally open minded about where they go.

“We’ve thought about changing the band’s name and starting over again. The music we’ve come up with so far is very different to that on our first album (2008’s I Loved You), so we do have that option. Also, if we stay as Big Linda then we’re obliged to play songs from the album with Rob, and somehow I can’t hear anyone else singing those tunes.

“The ideal right now would be to find someone who’s blown away by what we’ve recorded so far, and thinks this is their dream band.”

The trio have no timescale for finding the new person. But if you feel you’ve got what it takes to front what might still be called Big Linda, then go to www.myspace.com/biglindaband for all the details.