"Yes! It's an extender!"

NME Tour 2011 - 8th February 2011

The Vaccines kicked things off.
What a let down. After hearing Wreckin' Bar and Post-Break Up Sex I was expecting The Vaccines to be something different - finally a new wave of indie after the mundane raft of crap we have seen of late. But alas, here is another band to add to the scrap heap, who we won't remember in two years time. With a bassist stuck in the 90's in a Nirvana tribute act and a guitarist that looks like Uri Gellar, the whole band doesn't gel together in this muddled set. Of course, the 14 year-old indie children enjoyed it, moshing along to the slow song 'Blow It Up' but why wouldn't they? Its light-hearted indie-pop with no depth, which we've all seen before. After a few songs showing off signature moves and riffs from the Smiths and We Are Scientists - the whole thing just got really tiresome. Bring something new to the table!
5 Word Review: Just another sodding Indie band.

Everything Everything followed.
Striding out in matching Ghostbusters style jumpsuits, Everything Everything finally get this gig going. Jonathon Higgs' voice really shone - I was gob-smacked at how good it was live. I was convinced he was all computerised but no, he's just that good! He reached beautifully high notes that sent the crowd into an out-of-tune-dancey-moshpit-sing-a-long. They were the shock of the night for me, they just surpassed expection. MY KZ UR BF was a particular highlight a which sent the crowd into a complete frenzy. Amazing stuff.
5 Word Review: Who're gonna call? Everything Everything.

Magnetic Man came next.
Joining together the three DJ's of Benga, Skream and Artwork was always going to be good - but throw in Katy B, John Legend and other friends into the mix and it was sure to make a phenominal sound. Magnetic Man delivered something special tonight. Some of the most extraordinary mixing I've ever heard - the music itself was incredible. Beats dropping here, there and everywhere made for a magical performance. The whole set was flawless. The MC orchestrated the whole affair wonderfully, psyching the crowd up to every song, finally ending with -  "Phew, it's hot in here. I need to crack a window. Open a door. Where's the window? I need... I need...I need..." to which the crowd duly screamed "Airrrr" and hysteria ensued. Incredible.
5 Word Review: Only bloody stole the show!

Crystal Castles finished proceedings.
Poor old Alice hobbled on stage with a cast around her broken leg but showed true showmanship by jigging around as best she could anyway - determined to play, despite her Doctor's warnings. The performance was bound to be dampened by the lack of movement but she still screamed and shrieked to high heaven. You couldn't fault the music nor the atmosphere from the crowd - it was electric. However, something was missing - a working leg for instance- which would have just made the show reach the peak it should have done. It couldn't be helped but that extra spark was absent.
5 Word Review: Should've been brilliant, just slipped.

Rx