They're dropping like flies this week. Stoke-on-Trent aggroniks Agent Blue have followed yourcodenameis:milo to the big dive bar in the sky.

The band were showered with much praise in the early stages of their career - Teletext's Planet Sound, for this writer at least, memorable for its plaudits after a storming Reading festival appearance.

Regulars on the London live scene in 2004/05, Agent Blue's debut record A Stolen Honda Vision worked against them after its release was delayed for two years.

A shame, since they were one of the best bands I'd seen in the first year or so of moving to London, down at the Scala. Heady days. Here's what the band - made up of Matt Jones, Mark Taylor, Josh Hill, Nick Andrews and Calum Murphy in its prime - had to say:

"After much thought and debate within the band, we've decided that Agent Blue has reached the end of the road!

"We've had an amazing time over the last 5 years or so, but after Calum (bass) left last November, we realised quickly that we couldnt carry on any longer, as Agent Blue were 5 different people, different influences, different styles etc and would never have worked as Agent Blue with 1 of those factors missing.

"We're working on something new and we'll let you in on our plans shorty, but for now we thought we'd lay Agent Blue to rest! Thanks to all the people who stood by us over the years and for the support of all the fans, it really has been a pleasure.
Agent Blue"

That then, is that.