Fast: The Low Miffs @ 23 March

It feels like The Low Miffs have been contenders for a century, but nothing further than a single release through London's trendy White Heat label has arrived so far. Leo Condie stands before the mic coughing, seemingly trying to hush the nattering masses before, on the fourth cough, the band break into opener This is the New. A dazzling array of theatrics from Condie are on show as he stumbles, staggers and struts his way around his band, all the while retaining his pitch perfect vocal. The first few rows of the audience cheer hysterically whilst the bar flys seem unimpressed. This, unfortunately, is more a reflection of the sound engineer's performance than the band. The volume is inexplicably low. Drunken conversations drown out the sound and the lack of atmosphere affects Leo's usually Manic style from becoming full blown. The highlight of the set, Where Are Your Songs Now, reflects the peculiarly dour atmosphere that has descended. Even the appearance of ex-Joseph K and Fire Engines guitarist Malcolm Ross for the closer fails to ignite a stale crowd. The Miffs ought to be miffed with the sound-man. [David Coyle]