The Long Blondes @ Oran Mor

The Long Blondes boast on their press releases that they would prefer to be Abba than Joy Division. This news has not reached the serious young men of Glasgow, who prefer to stand towards the front of the venue and marvel at the exquisite musicianship. While on record the perky pop-punksters might deliver sharp observations over playful beats, their live performance is visceral and charming, better suited to dancing than intellectual analysis. The majority of the audience acknowledge this - bouncing cheerily to the slick energy and a series of songs that share a rapid pace and appropriately cutting guitar. A refreshing change from the earnestness of some bands who seek inspiration from the 1980s, their breezy attitude belies the seriousness of their intention. While not terribly original, they are fun, confident and friendly, swapping banter and encouraging slinky swaying: a loose funk seasons their New Wave forcefulness. [Gareth K Vile]