Bugz In The Attic @ The Arches

Releasing their full-length debut, 'Back In The Doghouse' last summer to critical acclaim, bastions of broken beat, Bugz In The Attic roll into the Arches, nearing the end of their UK tour. Pioneers in establishing the signature, off-kilter syncopations of the west London-born sound, they reign in their more experimental inclinations and show a strong love of hip-hop, soul, afro-beat, house and jazz, to create a highly accessible sound in the studio. Presenting an altered version of their normally sixteen-legged production unit live, greater emphasis is placed on the group's musical contributors not to mention the talented vocalists who've quickly become part of the Bugz's extended family. This change has no ill-effect on their overall performance; the combination of synths, keys, drums, bass and cowbell providing a robust, funk-filled backdrop for the deliciously soulful vocals. However, there are blemishes on the evening's entertainment: the lack of a support band, an unnecessarily early start and a surprisingly poor turn out… shame. [Colin Chapman]