badly drawn boy

Most times, an announcement that a set will last "only" two hours strikes a note of fear. Usually artists at this stage of their career have trouble filling a CD, never mind 120 minutes. With Star enforcing a guillotine, will The North’s Biggest Student Night ™ be welcome relief or rude awakening?

Apparently just thrilled to be here, Damon Gough is creating on the fly. Lyrics and tunes appear from nowhere, woven into rants against Finley Quaye and journalists, and wry acknowledgment of the Mercury prize. New song - Trumpton – has yet to evolve lyrics but sounds like angry wasps attacking a brass band. Musically suggesting a slowed down Stooges, the kinship with the Doves seems much stronger played live. The final hits of Disillusioned and Epitath come way too soon. Tonight, we curse the Star.

Move over, Jamiroquoi. There’s a new hat in town, and there’s something alive underneath it.