Punch and the Apostles @ King Tut's, 16 Aug

Although Empires (***) have a right good stab at some very Scottish indie rock, aided by their tasteful use of violin (not to mention the amusing juxtaposition of World's Highest-Held Guitar/World's Lowest-Slung Bass), frankly they always faced an uphill struggle following tonight's opening act. In another flawless showing of technical proficiency and astute pop songwriting, Super Adventure Club (****) simply own Tut's for the generous half hour they occupy the stage. As the heat builds to fragrant levels, headliners Punch and the Apostles (****) assemble their multitudinous musical menagerie in front of a substantial and rapturous Tut's crowd. Kicking off with a distinctly Charleston-esque number, the front few rows of spectators quickly get themselves moving. The bouyancy of P&TA's left-field indie is maintained by some well-used brass, as hints of Thatcher's Britain combine with the modern flavour of bands like The Zutons. The result is almost certainly festival music in waiting. [Austin Tasseltine]