For many music fans it's easy to ignore Late Of The Pier. With their student looks, foppish hair and young fans, they're not effortless to fall in love with. Despite the fact that their debut album Fantasy Black Channel was one of the most outstanding of last year, the band are still pigeonholed in a post-nu rave world.
However there are some bands you just cannot hate. Tonight 14-year-olds are wandering around the Leadmill brandishing glowsticks and fluorescent face paint and we feel a little out of place, but as soon as the band appears the room explodes. 'Space
And The Woods' bursts into life, leaving you helplessly throwing shapes to the cheap electro sounds. Quickly as the band's mash of synthesizers and guitar feedback launches into a whirlwind of dance infested tunes, we're left bouncing to the beat in seconds.
As another body is passed above our heads to the sounds of 'VW', the band's over the top melodies of 'Focker' screeches in our ears. The band stand, looking younger than ever, in a neat line which is very rarely broken. Drummer Ross is virtually unseen until we tip-toe to find him thrashing away in a corner- yet the band's enthusiasm, after months of endleess touring is flawless.
The band have played little under an hour when 'Bathroom Gurgle' births its first notes but we're not annoyed. Despite the short set, we still can't help ourselves as we stand tapping our toes while lead singer Sam, screams the highest notes of the disco anthem. Now it's impossible to hate Late Of The Pier. With their neat electro pop and cutting vocals, they're the brightest young band in Britain, and it's about time people stood up and took notice.
