An acclaimed Glasgow band has launched its debut EP with an exclusive party in the city.

The Black Hand Gang, who won last year’s Road to Hogmanay battle of the bands competition, held the bash at city-centre venue Classic Grand.

The Black Hand Gang’s music conjures up images of passion. However, this is combined with a light-hearted, up-beat touch.

They may have been together for just more than a year, but The Black Hand Gang has been making a big noise in Glasgow’s music scene.

Their newly-released EP, features four new tracks: Bloody Hands, Bricks and Mortar, Swords and Scumbags.

In the past they have packed out venues such as King Tut’s and Nice ’n’ Sleazy in Glasgow … and the recent EP launch was no different as the band played to a 350-strong crowd.

As well as filling some of Glasgow’s best known venues, The Black Hand Gang have also played with many established acts, including Bloc Party and The Raveonettes.

Lead singer and guitarist, Steve Redmond, said: “The launch was fantastic and there was a full house at the venue.

“We performed extremely well on the night, with stand-out tracks being Bloody Hands, and Bricks and Mortar – on the EP – among the crowd favourites.

“We are all really pleased with the feedback we have had, so far, on the new songs.”

The band are now set to play a host of gigs in England, including radio and in-store sessions in London.

Steve continued: “Our sound is a celebration of blues, country and rock ’n’ roll, in the traditions of Creedence Clearwater Revival or Neil Young. We have often been likened to that of early Kings of Leon. Right now, there is a good feeling surrounding the band and we hope that this is going to be the launchpad for bigger and better things.”

A high point of the band’s career, so far, was playing to more than 15,000 people at last year’s Hogmanay Celebrations in Glasgow’s George Square, Steve describing the show as “unbelievable” and “amazing” experience.

By winning the The Road to Hogmanay competition, The Black Hand Gang have following in the footsteps of such acts as Snow Patrol, Paolo Nutini and The View, who have all achieved the same.

The Road To Hogmanay is a chance for independent, un-signed Glasgow acts to end the year on a high by kicking off the city’s Hogmanay event at George Square.

The Black Hand Gang also won the chance to play at an intimate knees-up at King Tuts Wah Wah Hut’s, as part of the venue’s celebrations.

Music industry delegates from across Scotland picked nine acts, who played four showcases held throughout last November and December.

More than 30,000 votes were cast by the public, who ultimately decided that The Black Hand Gang should play the coveted gig.

Steve added: “We’re like our hometown of Glasgow … combining hard-edged, gritty realism with brave artistic innovation. Our urban blues document the violence and sexuality of modern city life, whilst referencing the spirit of the greatest rock ’n’ roll. Our style is raw, expressive and emotive. And whilst Glasgow’s reputation for a centre of fantastic music increases daily, we aim to be at its forefront, for some time to come.”

Critics, both north and south of the border, have praised their artistic innovation and how the band can articulate the “realisms of city-life” in an “intelligent” way.

The Black Hand Gang EP is available online from Amazon and iTunes.

It can also be bought over the counter in FOPP on Union Street and Avalanche Records on Dundas Street, Glasgow.