Saturday 29/04/06 The Ordinary Boys @ Carling 24, Hammersmith Palais, London

At every gig there is an element of the singalong; the band’s most popular song is taken on by the audience, an anthemic chant of football ground proportions resonates around the venue while the band carries on, albeit slightly misty-eyed and philosophical. Now imagine such a scene three quarters of the way through a 24-hour celebration of live music, and The Ordinary Boys are thriving on the energetic noise coming from the crowd – just magical.

Owing to the attendance of the self-confessed ‘Ordinary Army’ – a good-looking bunch of mod-types who know every lyric, every ska-fuelled beat and every bouncy dance move – the atmosphere is virtually dripping from the ceiling. This gig feels a lot more intimate than it actually is, and is a standout because of that.

‘Boys Will Be Boys’ three songs in is deafening, as Preston belts it out, the boys play their hearts out and the crowd lap up every second. It’s actually almost emotional. ‘Life Will be the Death of Me’ is delicately embraced, a melodic triumph that again has everyone joining in. The show continues apace, with the excitement level rising, before the final song, ‘Seaside’ which seals the deal. Preston asks that everyone raise their mobile phones – and we all do – before they lay out another modern classic, complete with crowd backing vocals, wistful looks and plenty of swooning.
 
And with a typically affable goodbye, the boys are gone, leaving us feeling thoroughly satisfied. It’s rare that a gig can feel so god even after it’s ended. This one will last.