Tuesday 20/06/06 The Fratellis, The On Offs, Director @ Northumbria University, Newcastle

So, apparently some football was playing tonight.  The World Cup?  Is that the one?  Well, who needs that when you’ve got three cracking bands on fine form playing just down the road?  Director kicked off the night, performing Editors-inspired indie pop that showed maturity beyond their seemingly young years.  Already signed to Atlantic Records, the Dublin quartet have a new self-produced single, ‘Reconnect’, proving that they’ve got what it takes to make it big. The band cite classic and modern influences, including traces of Muse, evident in their heartfelt lyrics and soaring vocals – definitely a group to keep your eye on.

Although they may look like three fellas from your local, The On Offs certainly know how to bash out some damn fine tunes.  Their particular brand of energetic, in your face rock n roll is not breaking any musical boundaries, but their ska-tinged melodies had the crowd braying for more. Forthcoming single, ‘This Town’ was particularly memorable, and has recently been picked up by MTV2, so watch out for it on a small screen near you.

Finally at 10 o’clock (with the football all over) The Fratellis took to the stage in front of an already massively pumped-up crowd.  The Glaswegian trio dived straight into their ballsy, shout along punk rock to tremendous support.  Upcoming single ‘Henrietta’ featured early on, but it was crowd favourite ‘Creepin Up The Backstairs’ that got everyone’s hearts racing.  Despite being apparently unable to speak, vocalist Jon’s gravely tones raged out of the speakers, drowning the sweaty audience in simply phenomenal tunes.  There was more than enough material here for an album, and although one is promised soon, it cannot come quickly enough.  Catch The Fratellis as soon as you can, because they’re going to be huge – as their electric live shows prove.