Thursday 07/04/05 The Black Velvets, Hurricane Party, The Giltterati @ Barfly, Cardiff

“For those about to rock… We salute you” Brian Johnson sang on AC/DC’s 1981 album of the same name with an estrogen charged vocal that could cure anyone suffering with a lactose intolerance. Twenty five years on, that same rock ethnic has never been more astute with several bands plundering the sounds of 80s hair metal and the RnB stylistics of Led Zeppelin. With that in mind, it's time to celebrate this no-nonsense rock movement with the New School Of Rock Tour! With three bands all offering a sizable dollop of old-school rock bravado.

Merseyside four piece The Black Velvets kick off proceedings with a thesis full of emotions and killer Glam-rock riffs, especially evident on recent single '3345', a stomping groove full of boogie and swagger. 

Next up, Hurricane Party, an eccentric set of poodle-haired revivalists who endeavor to make as much noise as is physically possible and in return a riotous crowd thrust their index and small fingers aloft in salute to their honest and reconstructed rock.

The main draw The Glitterati pack in an enviable set of robust rhythms with a plethora of ostentatious guitar solos and moronic genius choruses. The band's latest single 'You Got Nothing On Me' carries a sleazy swagger with lead singer Paul Gautrey leering into the crowd whilst hanging from the Barlfly’s not so sturdy lights.

Although the key influences were clear for all to see, The Glitterati have benefited immensely from working with legendary Guns n Roses producer Mike Clint and have recalled the sound of early eighties LA but omit the misogyny and insert a musical showmanship that is distinctly theirs. 'Back In Power' reveals how much phlegmatic control the band had over their gonzo anthems without wielding the axe to sheer meltdown and 'First Floor' signed off the rock rumblings to explosive effect.

Critics will undoubtedly furrow their brows with frustration over a lack of originally and pseudo intelligence, but when it comes to rock, there are no rules.