Thursday 15/05/03 Cooper Temple Clause @ Main Debating Hall, Manchester

The Cooper Temple Clause are certainly original, on stage the five of them are an explosion of pure rock and roll energy, mixed with 'don't give a **** attitudes' and those trademark haircuts. The Cooper's set starts with one of their more chilled out ensembles which gives them time to snarl at the crowd and build up the most electric atmosphere possible. The band showcase many new songs tonight, which seem to take a more ambient tip than the majority of the previous album. However, they are well received by the enthralled be-mulleted Cooper-like boys and rock and roll girls. Highlights include an epic version of 'The Devil Walks In The Sand' with support band Medium 21's lead guitarist providing the extra twiddly guitar parts in the background.

As much as the super energetic crowd enjoy the new songs it's clear that they are here to jump around to arguably the best songs the band have to offer. Cue 'Been Training Dogs', 'Filmmaker' and the raw rawk edginess of 'Panzer Attack', which sees maniacal bass player Didz taking to the front of the stage and battering a sampler before crowdsurfing over the front few rows.

Don't let the fact that CTC are one of the best dressed/most styled bands in the British music scene put you off. The Coopers definitely walk, or rather scream it, smash it and snarl it, as well as they talk it. Such an explosive live show is a strong contender for gig of the year so far. So grab yourself a JD and coke, pull your trousers down to hip level, don a skinny t-shirt and pull yourself through a hedge backwards, all the coolest kids are doing it.