Paul Ryder, founder member of Happy Mondays is the frontman of exciting new project Big Arm

They said he wouldn’t. They said he couldn’t. But he has and he did and it’s better than anyone thought possible.

Just how does an iconic bass legend reinvent himself as a front man after lurking in the shadows behind his outspoken brother for 20 years? Who knows? Who cares? But one thing’s for sure – he’s pulled it off, he can’t be stopped and that’s all that matters.

Step forward Paul Ryder, founding member of the legendary Happy Mondays, instrumental co-creator of the sound that changed the face of a generation, iconic bassist and co-writer of 8 top ten hit singles and 4 top ten albums. He’s back with the single most exciting project of 2007 – Big Arm. The fever has already taken hold. The band’s first single was described by veteran XFM DJ Clint Boon as “The best debut single I have ever heard”. Mani from the Stone Roses describes them as “Simply Stunning” and icons such as Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook and Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown have been spotted at their recent low-key showcases. So impressed is icon Brown that he has asked the band to support him in a series of upcoming shows.

Ryder’s vocals underpin the dynamic and iconic groove that is Big Arm’s own. In a positively cataclysmic shift from the dark annals of Mondays twisted delerium, the Big Arm sound is groove-ful, funked-up, upbeat, optimistic and immediate.

Old Skool Mondays fans will not be disappointed and Northern Soul fans will get on the groove in this hybrid fusion of f**ked-up fatness and souled-up chill.

Paul is joined by fellow Big Arm founder and legendary techno guru Pete Smith, aka DJ Blue, mastermind of Manchester hip hop outfit P Love and Blue, who has written with Moloko’s Roisin Murphy and collaborated with St. Etienne, ACR, Mike Joyce, Lamb and Icelandic groovesters Gus Gus.

Manchester luminary Daz Gilkinson adds slick guitar riffs to the Big Arm sound while drummer Danny Short keeps the beat and his ass on the seat whilst delivering backing vocals.

Lea Mullen, former Happy Mondays percussionist completes the rhythm section.

Production on the debut album was by Manchester’s most wanted Producer, Martin Hannett protege and Moby’s favourite, John Pennington.

Their unique blend of infectious melodies, funked-up rhythm and trip hop tunes has already begun to infiltrate.

Some things are just meant to be.

Be warned. Big Arm. It’s large, and getting larger. Get it before it’s too big.

The band's stunning debut album Radiator is out now, featuring the two singles, Flashbacks and Sunrays.