The Kooks

High expectations prior to a gig are a good thing. It suggests that the body of work and previous performances stand the said band in good stead to join your fabled personal 'best gigs of all time' list. And so it was with the weight of expectation baring down upon me that I ventured to the Astoria and took up my usual position stage right (only 2m away from the stairs to the gents and 10m from the bar … perfect.

The Kooks took to the stage with an irksome excitable charm to dispense their perfect brand of power pop. Luke Pritchard holds the stage with a stance that belies his youthful years, but scratch beneath the surface and we find gems that deserve detailed exploration. The almost throw-away 'Seaside' which currently kicks off proceedings is anything but. The forlorn manner in which he imparts the vocals are in perfect contrast to the high energy guitar frenzy of 'See The World' which follows bristling with vitriolic intent. The anthemic Maroon 5 / early Police 'Matchbox' gets the crowd jumping in unison and the excitement becomes contagious. Cracking tunes played with passionate abandon ensue, and the whole of 'Inside in, Inside Out' is accounted for with a couple of new tracks thrown in for good measure.

I admit The Kooks haven't entered my 'best gigs of all time' list yet, but I can hear them pounding heavily on the door.