Saturday 23/09/06 The Blood Arm, Neon Plastix, Late Of The Pier @ The Plug, Sheffield

For some reason tonight's show hasn't sold out. Maybe its because hot electro band Robots In Disguise have cancelled at the last minute to be replaced by local band, Late of the Pier or the general public haven't quite caught on to the brilliance of The Blood Arm's new single which is bound to propel the band into every music fans brain. All together now. ' I like all the girls and all the girls like me.'
 
Late of the Pier however have to work a little harder for a crowd pleaser. The audience is sparse but they quickly run through a list of mediocre songs. The band themselves are entertaining to watch but are loose working together. The keyboardist appears to be in his own world distracting attention from the inactive lead singer, but as a group they do hold promise with a handful of songs that at least get the drunken girl on the front row moving.
 
The electro gap tonight though is replaced by another local band Neon Plastix, who emerge with pink trousers, whistles and an exercise bike, inviting anyone who dares to have a go. The crowd are still a little resistant but lead singer Pat practically challenges the audience to clap along as he spits and trawls around the stage. The Klaxons spring to mind as a whistle is accompanied over layers of synthesisers. The guitarist also displays his instrument more than it is actually played as the stage is full of five keyboards. The band never let up though constantly entertaining as they reel off a list of effortless songs.
 
Now Sheffield has never been a 'sexy' city but The Blood Arm seem to have made it so tonight. After an extremely camp introduction (and possibly the best ever seen) the audience are chanting 'hallelujah!' for reasons unknown as the band launch into 'Do I Have Your Attention?' Suddenly the stage is worthless, and band and audience becomes one as singer Nathanial immediately runs into the crowd and stays there for the rest of the gig. The band are left hanging but some how have enough charisma to carry on the show with an absent singer. The crowd even part for 'Angela' so Nathaniel can walk down the centre striking poses as he goes. For 'Suspicious Character' Nathaniel has no shame dancing with all the female members of the audience who look uncomfortable as he approaches. The set finally ends on a high as the whole audience turns to see Nathaniel standing on the side bar for the final song.
 
From the Blood Arm's performance tonight it's about time they broke into the mainstream and 'Suspicious Character' may be the song to do that. Nathaniel's total confidence with the audience is compelling as he looks his onlookers straight in the eye. As an audience member you are constantly on show with the band making you feel as nervous and vulnerable as them, but once you get past that the feeling is fantastic, and its understanding to see where Nathaniel gets his energy from.