Juliette and the Licks @ ABC

It only takes a glimpse of Juliette Lewis on stage to realise that she means it. The square-jawed rock'n'roll band that she has surrounded herself with are more than just props in a self-indulgent flirtation with a singing career by a Hollywood misfit. Rather, the Licks are a tight and talented band, lucky enough to be fronted by a truly mesmerising front-woman. Although a little on the hoarse side tonight, Lewis tears into her songs with vein-popping conviction. New drummer Ed Davis' powerhouse performance was a show in itself, the sticksman filling the daunting role of reproducing Dave Grohl's thunderous work on the band's new album 'Four on the Floor'. The scathing American Boy and frenetic You're Speaking My Language were standouts, while Sticky Honey showcased the Licks' virtuosity. "I think Glasgow knows rock'n'roll!!" she hollers to the delight of the crowd. Well, that's what they came for, and that's what they got. [Paul Crawford]