I've been looking forward to this gig for a while but the atmosphere at the start of the night doesn't seem right. That's because it's still light outside when the first band hit the stage and we're upstairs at Newcastle University, where the mix of daylight and stage light gives the whole thing a slightly surreal edge. The Test Icicles are first up and are a three piece band. Two raging guitars and a vocalist who play along to a drum and bass backing track, although they swap around singing and screaming duties. There's some shuffling of feet as the crowd aren't quite sure how to take their squealing guitar antics. But they seem to win over some polite applause before the end. Secure support Next up are Metric. A four piece from Toronto, who say their music is "born out of sly-considered observation rather than gratuitous introspection." Singer/synth player Emily Haines switches from raging keyboard headbanger to a light fingered conductor of her bandmates with ease and elegance. Her vocals bring to mind at times Kristin Hersh and Julianna Hatfield. The best compliment I can offer is that I am now actively seeking out their album. For those who don't know, Death From Above 1979 are a Canadian band made up of Jesse F. Keeler, Bass/Synth, and Sebastian Grainger, Drums/Vocals. And that is it. But the two men make such an incredible sound you have to see them live to believe it. From the outset, the guys want you involved. The bass amps and drumkit are arranged on stage in a semi-circle inviting you in. These two are here to get the party started and they mean business. They have been quoted as saying they wanted to create a sound like an elephant in your living room. And that is a good description.
 | | The Futureheads - from Sunderland! |
Wall of sound They rip into "Turn it out," the first song from their album and "You're a woman, I'm a machine" - it's brutal yet beautiful at the same time. Sebastian's vocals could easily disappear in this noise fest, but they soar and cut clean through. The crowd are gone. No sooner has their first song finished and they pick you up again and throw you around the room. You don't have to be in the mosh pit to feel pulverised. Highlight of the night is their storming rendition of "Romantic Rights." The boys then endear themselves to the local crowd by proclaiming their love for Brown ale. But Sebastian commits a cardinal sin by suggesting The Futureheads are his other favourite export from Newcastle. The crowd puts him right and he makes amends by leading them in an impromptu version of "Hounds of love." Despite their extreme sound, they are a deeply personal band and really give their all on stage. After an encore they look physically shattered. This is the party I want to be at. I'll have a pint of what they've been drinking... | 
