It's a warm evening, threatening rain, as I arrive at Sheffield's premier venue for all things cool. And as if to emphasise the point, as I walk through the door (late) I am greeted by the sights and sounds of Cooler. Featuring James Atkin, formerly of EMF, this trio power through some serious dancey grooves, heavy with deep booming bass, manic beats, and weird sounds, is that a Theremin? I am assured that it is, and a most impressive onstage tool it turns out to be. The vocals are muddy, shouty and fairly unintelligible, but this doesn't matter, the groove is enough, and the hardcore few at the front are gyrating wildly and letting themselves go, excellent. The latest single, 'Disco Sucks' is well received, and as the set continues, the vibe infects the room slowly, until even those attempting unconvincing nonchalance, are tapping at least one foot. There is much exchanging of instruments, and it seems almost like musical chairs, if you'll pardon the expression, but it is refreshing to see a little adaptability and also to see the three musicians as lost in the music as they hope the crowd are.

Hot on the heels of his recently released album, Fuzz Townshend, drum kit to the front of the stage, comes out with all guns blazing, and doesn't let up. The samples and textures which dominate the album don't come across in quite the same way when heard live, but the beats are slamming, and I defy anyone not to start moving and swinging with the rhythm. Once again, James Atkin is present on bass, and two fine rappers/toasters keep the shouting up. Fuzz himself is a picture of rapturous enjoyment, grinning like the cat that got the cream, the fish, and the Sunday roast, bantering with the roadie fixing the mic-stand, and generally having fun. The crowd is now all dancing, the temperature is rising, and your correspondent is having a whale of a time. The set features a fair selection of the highlights from Townsend's album, including the fine single, 'Tasty Big Ed', but seems to be over all too soon, leaving me slightly disappointed, but wait, unbeknownst to me, this is not the end. The stage is being set, I am confused, was I not here to review Fuzz Townshend? Then all is revealed, just as I am about to leave, this is not a headline gig for Fuzz, and I am about to miss Regular Fries, if I leave. I stay. I am later to thank god that I did.

There are certain moments, so Peter Howitt would have us believe, that can define the way our lives go, see the film 'Sliding Doors' for reference. Tonight, I am fortunate to have had a 'Sliding Doors' moment. I am uninitiated in the world of Regular Fries, for some reason, they have escaped my attention, and thus, I will not attempt to have you believe that I knew any of the songs, this would be a lie. I shall just say this; GLORY HALLELUJAH, I HAVE FOUND DIVINITY!! Looking like a ramshackle band of Vietnam veterans, the players shamble on stage, and begin the most incredible hour of my life. Tight, muscular rhythms, soaring guitars, keyboards, Saxophone, and unbelievably, a birdcage with bunches of keys attached, combining to make a concoction with the grooves of Black Grape, the weirdness of early Pink Floyd, the mumbling vocals of Madchester™ and the enthusiasm of a group of schoolboys locked in an immense amusemant arcade with unlimited credits on the machines. The songs are well structured, at times a little intense, at other times, atmospheric and beatific, and the now heaving crowd, laps it up like tonight is the last night before Armageddon, and if it were, who would care? After tonight, we can all die a little happier. Shaun Doane.

Shaun Doane