The Bluetones (& Dark Star)

Date: 24^th May 2000
Location: The Town and Country Club, Leeds

Christian Hayes looks restrained and well presented as he strolls on stage but it is dreadlocked drummer David Francolini who gives away most clues to Dark Star's sound. He attacks his kit with venom and you fear for the fairy lights which adorn the kit, along with Hayes' and bassist Laurence's mic stands. It's a fine performance by a band whose star is most definitely shining at the moment. The best are saved 'til last with current single I Am The Sun and the debut About 3am closing a well polished and energetic set.

By the time The Bluetones take to the stage the crowd are well warmed up and the boys get a great reception, firing straight into Zorro. New boy Richard Payne certainly adds a lot to the 'Tones sound. Although he's been a touring member for some time, he now makes a greater contribution and it helps flesh out the songs for the live arena.

The Fountainhead returns to the set after a long absence and is slipped in fairly early on along with Slight Return which naturally has everyone in a frenzy. Who would have put money on crowd surfers at a Bluetones gig, especially given the mellow nature of latest effort Science and Nature?

It's this album which makes up most of the set but old favourite Bluetonic sneaks in along with Solomon Bites The Worm, guitarist Adam Devlin teasing the crowd with the opening chord, prompting the surfers to ensure all valuables are secure once more. Down At The Reservoir also appears before a fine rendition of The Basement Song.

Mark Morris is a fine frontman, never rambling too long, yet saying enough to make you feel one of the family. Autophilia ... closes the set before the band return for an encore comprising Keep The Home Fires Burning (Morris returning complete with Telecaster) and a rousing version of If ....

At the end of it all, T-shirts are sweat soaked and toes have been trampled on. The Bluetones may have taken a more mellow path with the new album but they still know how to rock.

Value for money: 8/10

by Michael Quarry.