It's a pity so many people were stuck in the bar when Fleet, the support act took to the stage. They missed a confident and engaging set from a band with the sexiest lead vocalist I've seen for ages, plus a female drummer who really came up with the goods. The Billericay based five piece kick off with "Gold", and by the time they launch into "Wanna tell ya", it 's evident that this band are going somewhere. Some raunchy rocky numbers, a driving beat and some pleasing and memorable riffs from lead guitarist, Mike Rowe , titillate the musical taste buds. Not just a pretty face, Rebecca Searl -Jones is pretty damn good too, providing a solid anchor for the four guitarists. She certainly restores my faith in female drummers after hearing far too much of the dreadfully dross Meg White from the White Stripes .
It's frontman Nick Long who dominates the set though. Impossibly cool, he's got a seductive yet powerful rasp which packs an emotional and powerful punch, even though it's obvious he's got a throat infection. Resisting the urge to throw myself at the stage and offer to rub Vick on his chest, I stood back to enjoy the last track "Each other". It's a blaster, creating an excitement with its deceptively simple rhythms and clever lyrics which got the crowd bopping along to the beats. Ocean Colour Scene still pack in the crowds, and a very loyal lot they are too, even when there's a little bit of a lacklustre feel to the opening few numbers. | "Steve Craddock's guitar work is a joy, such powerful riffs and beautiful tones." | | Bridget Blair |
By the time they play "The Circle", everyone, both the band, and the audience, have warmed up nicely and there's a genuine sense of a party going on, with some obligatory crowd surfing from people " even as old as me" says Simon Fowler. Is he feeling his age? He certainly made a few references to it... but age is irrelevant when you've got a back catalogue of superb songs with such catchy hooks and truly memorable lyrics, that you just have to sing along to.We all do, with relish, led by a man whose voice has provided the perfect soundtrack to much of our lives. The new tracks from "A hyperactive workout for the flying squad" receive a guarded welcome tonight, but throughout, Steve Craddock 's guitar work is a joy, such powerful riffs and beautiful tones, even though he and his guitar tech seemed to be joined at the hip.
In fact the techie was on stage so much, I thought he was going to do a guest slot. Guitarist Andy (I stand like I've got a broomstick up my backside) Bennett might not be Mr Charisma, but he certainly adds some nice subtle touches. Of course Oscar Harrison on drums has personality plus, as well as incredibly stylish drumming techniques. "The day we caught the train" is an excellent faux end to the show, but it's during the encore that the really magic moments occur. There's a stunning , atmospheric solo from Simon on "Robin Hood" , and the crowd sings an affectionate, if not tuneless, "Happy Birthday" to Oscar. Oscar and Simon performed a quite lovely little duet, before getting everyone going with the Drinking Song. The last track is announced as one from that famous pair of brothers from Manchester.And as we all brace ourselves for an Oasis number, the band rocket off into such a rattlingly good cover of the Beatles "Daytripper". A bizarre but brilliant touch to a really fun night. | 
