Campus and regional radio darlings, Holly and The Woods release their debut album this week.

'So I Rage' is out through Sheer Music on 8 August 2008.

"We’ve worked long and hard for this moment, and wanted our first album to really be something that we are proud of," vocalist and co-songwriter, Melissa Conradie says.

That hard work has entailed lots of time in the band's rehearsal room, a growing list of live work (including a support slot with Seether's Shaun Morgan in December 2007 and supporting Sarah Bettens from K's Choice in April 2008) and putting out singles to radio, including 'Not Like Me' and 'Save Me'.

Working with producer Matthew Fink (of alt.country outfit Jim Neversink), the band — Conradie, guitarist John Meaker, rhythm guitarist, Craig Henning, bassist Gary Ashford and drummer Chad Harbott — recorded 14 songs for their debut.

The release is to be supported by a raft of live gigs including an appearance at the inaugural Lucky Fish festival taking place in Westonaria early October.