Art Brut @ ABC2

Strutting through now familiar opening AC/DC riffs, Art Brut kick off another aural takeover at ABC2. Hours previously, new single 'Nag Nag Nag Nag' is released, a tune which involves Eddie Argos (gasp) singing, even a bit melodically. In the evening, however, Argos is on top form, fortunately minus the John Waters-esque 'tache and sweating like he just can't help himself. It must be the art school round the corner. High points are Brut's ode to sleeping in and missing work, 'Blame it on the Trains', and 'Rusted Gun of Milan', a hilarious plea/apology for certain bedroom shortcomings. The whole set still punches fresh and Argos' franchising banter is endearing; the singer imploring for an end to fixating on ex-lovers. Still predictable, still ironic, still catchy, and to cap the night off, apparently still worthy of stage-rushing. [David Winton]