Pinning down Random Hand for an interview is about as easy as catching a unicorn.

Even a quiet period for the band sees them trekking around the country playing gig after gig.

Now, in the month they launch their second album, activity is even more intense for the Keighley quartet.

They have 50 gigs in the first two months of this year including a UK tour supporting Reel Big Fish.

In April they will support US band Propagandhi then plan to spend two weeks playing in Europe.

Knights Out catches the band on Joe's mobile as the Handies drive to yet another British venue.

He shouts directions to the driver while telling me about the band's past, present and future.

This is just one of many media interviews that day for Keighley's favourite ska-punk-metal mash-up merchants.

Their star is certainly rising as album Inhale/Exhale, follow-up to 2007's Change of Plan, hits the shops and websites.

Last year saw the previous few years' hard grind of relentless UK touring begin to pay off.

Random Hand performed at both the Leeds and Reading festivals, played in Europe and toured the USA with Voodoo Glowskulls.

Then it was back in the studio, last autumn in Devon, to record Inhale/Exhale in just over a fortnight.

Joe Tilston, the band's bassist, said: " We're much more pleased with this than we were with the last album.

"We've done it with the same producer but we spent more time on it. We didn't have to settle for first takes, we let things develop.

Joe said that despite the two years between albums the band's blend of musical styles was still recognisable.

He added: "I wouldn't say it's changed, but because we've played so many gigs I think the sound is reined-in and tighter."

Experience has come from several hundred gigs over six years, with 2008 being particularly busy.

Joe said: "Leeds and Reading was a highlight, and going to America. It was amazing to play with a band we've loved for years.

"We played the Mighty Sound Festival near Prague. We flew there, which was amazing, and played in front of 2000 people."

This year the focus is on promoting the album -- the band now has a booking agent and PR lady -- with the possibility of releasing the disc in America and returning for live dates.

Joe said: "We want the album out there so people come to the gigs. It won't take long to recoup the cost of making the album."

The four lads would like to make a living from being in Random Hand, but they're not hung up about breaking into the musical mainstream.

Joe said: "We have to focus on our live shows and being good and the album being good, and not burning out.

"We're definitely in for the long haul. We've all had to leave jobs, and we've all had to put everything on hold. "We all have partners who are very supportive. Hopefully the band will support us soon."

* Random Hand plays tonight at the New Variety Club, Russell Street, Keighley, with Skint and Californian band Knock-Out. Over-14s only. Check out www.thegassienda.co.uk. Also Leeds Carling Academy on February 17.

Inhale/Exhale is released on Rebel Alliance Recordings, see www.myspace.com/randomhand.