El Dog plus support at the Swamp Bar @ Edinburgh

O.B.E. walked away with first prize by default at December's farcical East Meets West battle of the bands (see last issue) and tonight a brilliant performance of high octane funk leaves no doubt as to their potential. They dedicate last track 'Disco Dancer' to Polish backpacker Jannick, who almost steals the show with an impromptu dance odyssey, including cartwheels. Jannick appears less impressed by the shouty Sumo for Now, who come across as amateur in comparison and inspire less of his feverish dance moves. They do have their moments though, in particular an amusing song called The Boy's A Dick. Finally, Glaswegians El Dog are a pleasant surprise, giving an intensely emotional performance which splices Radiohead with the Smashing Pumpkins but without descending into the overblown pomposity of Muse. Pity that so few people turned up to see them.