"Middleman Move To The Front At Academy"  by Neil Shaw of the Peterborough Evening Telegraph  

Middleman have been banging around for a little over a year trying to make a decent name for themselves. But no-one would deny that they haven't really found their "Big Break".  Until now, that is.
    The Peterborough three piece have been chosen to front a new venture at The Academy in Broadway - live entertainment.
    Events will go on a rota system, with live bands playing every few weeks, but Middleman have been chosen as the act to open up the live music scene at the club.
    In one fell swoop the converted cinema, renowned for it's crazy clientele dancing to loud, fast music, has shown a commitment to bringing new musical talent to light.
    Middleman are by no means new recruits, but Academy could have chosen to go with a bigger name for opening night.
    The band were set up in 1996 with Paul Stokes as lead singer and guitarist, John Peake on bass and Anthony McGuinness on Drums.
    Their eclectic mix of original material and covers has proved popular on the pub scene - and they list their influences as everything from Kula Shaker and Deep Blue Something to Robbie Williams.
    Their style is hard pop if that makes any sense - and with the majority of their set as original material they have proven a talent beyond audio photo-copying.
    The Academy gig will be a milestone for Middleman in more than one way.  Paul said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for us, we're looking forward to it, as are our fans.
    "And we're not going to waste the chance.  We've decided to use the gig to launch our debut album."
    Called 'Now Or Never' the limited edition album is as much a tribute to Elvis as it is to the vitality and originality of the local music scene.