Saturday 21/06/03 Span, Motion City Soundtrack, Sugarcult @ Hop & Grape, Manchester

First up was Span, a four piece from Norway, a last minute replacement for the previously announced band. They have freshness, enthusiasm and an amazing stage presence. The seven song set was thrown out at 100 mph. Opening with 'Stay As You Are', the standard was set for this pop punk outfit. They had the audience bouncing for their lives, but it was all over too soon, as they finished with 'Papa' another fast and furious tune. This band have a unique sound and must be seen live. Look out for them.

Motion City Soundtrack are a five piece band on their first trip to the UK, but hopefully not their last. The audience were treated to a power packed set consisting of songs mainly off their new album. Classed as pure rock 'n' roll with pop punk overtones, there is a depth, a sensitivity and drive to the lyrics. The keys give the sound an added twist. With an awesome stage presence, they are all as one, throwing themselves into every tune.

'Shiver' is an infectious song that gets you moving with Justin using his full vocal range. 'Boombox', is another well constructed song that had the audience bouncing around. They have the desire and the ability to go all the way. As Justin said "All you need is a little luck". This band has to be on the shortlist of gigs to see!

Los Angeles four piece Sugarcult spend more time on the road than at home. Touring is the lifeblood of the band; it's what they exist for. They arrived on stage to an ecstatic welcome. From the first Elvis Costello penned 'You're the One' to the fantastic climax of The Ramones 'I Wanna Be Sedated' it was sheer bliss. This was electrifying pop punk at its finest. With the anthemic 'Stuck in America', the forthcoming release 'Bouncing Off the Walls' and two new tunes 'Memory' and 'She's the Blade', Tim and Marko had the audience all the way, hanging onto every word spoken or sung.

This is a band that has stayed true to their punk rock roots, drawing on various influences such as Green Day, The Clash, and Ramones. Once over, the band emerged to sign anything from trainers to arms. This is a band that respect and appreciate their growing following and are genuinely sincere about it. Sugarcult have earned the right to be where they are and I am sure they will stay there. Look out for them at Glastonbury!