Thursday 24/07/08 Passenger, The Asteroids Galaxy Tour @ Proud Galleries, London

To many, just saying the words Danish and Pop in the same sentence is enough to strike fear into the hearts of those who remember the dance routines of Aqua and Whigfield. But don’t panic, there’s more to (deep breath) Danish Pop than 'Barbie Girl' and 'Saturday Night'… honest. But if its proof you want then look no further than The Asteroids Galaxy Tour. Taking to the stage in what used to be an old horse hospital, the brass bearing six piece look apprehensive, but it’s short-lived and any hint of nervousness is immediately replaced by a collective burst of confidence as ‘Around The Bend’ opens the night. The band have only been together for eight months and this is their thirteenth gig but you’d never guess. Nor it would seem do the audience, who are largely rooted to the spot mesmerised by the incredible and kooky vocal talents of the stunning Mette Lindberg.

Pulling shapes through ‘Bad Fever’ and ‘Lady Jesus’ the audience fall into a false groove of security before the emotional fragility of ‘Crazy’ shatters the illusion. Without giving the crowd a chance to regroup, the band launch into ‘Push The Envelope’ and the passionate wall of horns that comes with it before their first single ‘The Sun Ain't Shining’ and ‘Satellite’ provokes breakout pockets of sporadically awkward dancing. Just watching the concentration displayed by Lars Iversen and the rest of the band is exhausting enough, but there’s time for one last push with ‘The Golden Age’ and another burst of pop brilliance which closes an amazing set.