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In the hot summer months, there's nothing worse than being stuck in a dark, hot, smokey room and nothing better than watching your fave bands under the stars on a balmy evening. Sure these gigs are over-priced (and don't get me started on the bar prices and the crazy rule that all water bottles brought in must have their lids removed...), but they do still - just about - qualify as "events". Wakefield's Cribs kick things off with a call to the London crowd to get off their asses, as this isn't some "festival in a field". The three lads are clearly up for making an impression, and their energetic Buzzcocky set does just that. Recent single Mirror Kisses sounds great and old fave Another Number has the most nagging guitar line we hear all night. Excellent harmonising too. London duo The Kills look cool in the heat, and as the darkness descends the sound is cranked up for their all-new pummeling beats. Although rivetting to watch, new songs like The Good Ones aren't especially distinguished. But the crowd are getting into it. By the time Bloc Party come on the stage is dark and the mood is as close to perfect as you're gonna get. Kicking off with the line "It's so cold in this house" seems perverse, but we all sing along anyway. It's a lovely moment. Although BP aren't exactly on fire tonight - perhaps a sign of fatigue after near-constant touring this year - they still deliver a fine show for their native London. They offer So Here We Are Now as their tribute to the terrible events in London last week, even if the dedication ends up being a little confused. Kele is on good form, although a few strange (American) vocal inflections have crept in. Reminding us that he studied just up the road at Kings College, he announces that, contrary to what Noel Gallagher may say, there's nout wrong with going to university. And the lyrics of "The Price of Gas" prove it. There is one new song tonight, and it sounds promising. But the gig is all about celebrating the amazing "Silent Alarm" album and a band who, you feel, need some time out now to write an equally brilliant follow up.
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