Monday 06/11/06 The Long Blondes @ Proud Gallery, Camden

It’s somewhat apt that the scene of tonight’s gig come album-launch party is taking place in a gallery plastered with classic covers of The Sun. Since their inception, which seems an age ago (well, two years is a long time), The Long Blondes have become the much-touted face of trendy indie, with a penchant for being more than a little tabloid-esque. Sadly, The Sun covers are actually part of an exhibition, rather than a knowing nod to what they hope is to come.

The set kicks off with ‘Lust In The Movies’, as the crowd jostles for position and a number of men who look suspiciously like extras from Nathan Barley gawp at the girls (and boys) as they do their thing on stage. The sound is vibrant, and the song a belter, even if it does sound at one point that they shout the name of international cricket umpire, Aleem Dar. This may not be the actual case, but it sounds more fun if you think it (especially if you know who he is). ‘Weekend Without Makeup’ makes for a sharp burst of FM indie pop, but from here on in, things start to become a bit lumpen.

Sure, The Long Blondes have got the looks, the shoes, not to mention a front woman in Kate Jackson who on her day, draws favourable comparisons with PJ Harvey and Karen O. But that’s just it. This is only when they are on the top of their game. Which, in truth, is only for roughly three songs. After that, everything begins to sound the same. Lifted out of context, ‘Separated By Motorways’ is a punky, lush and witty affair. Stick it towards the end of an hour long set and it all sounds much the same as everything else.

As the crowd disperse and the bar fills up with said Nathan Barley types, you can’t help thinking that here are another band that promise much in short bursts, but offer little more than a lot of hype.