Little John Rocket @ Nice 'N' Sleazy

Little John Rocket have been working hard, driving their guitars harder and becoming, if anything, more intense and stentorian. Celebrating the release of their debut single, they conclude a short set with a murderous version of At An End which manages to connect the obvious Joy Division references to a bleak, repetitious funk. This new wave relentlessness feels purifying and righteous after the light-weight and hackneyed glam-punk of label-mates the Skuzzies (2/5), whose set threatens to collapse into an episode of the Mighty Boosh. Their preening self-regard merely highlights LJR's Germanic determination: We Became Them and Nurnberg are shot through with loathing and delirious anger, turned in on itself and buzzing with frustration. The influence of the early 80s does still overshadow the band, but they stamp Basement with a stark Glaswegian energy and are appropriating the sound of New Wave for their own nefarious fury. Little John Rocket are about to become frightening. [Gareth K Vile]