The Checks @ King Tuts

One day, when the Checks are as famous as Michael Stipe thinks they are going to be, Ed Knowles' arrhythmic ska boogie will become the band's signature. Despite his lack of funk, Knowles can hold a tune and his youthful voice skates elegantly over the 1960s' blues-rock. Like a light Led Zep or melodic Who, the Checks skip their way through a set that calls up the luminaries of the British invasion: if they don't manage to ever find their own style - stand-out What You Heard is sheer Stones' boogie - at least they never slip into parody. The twin guitar choruses have plenty of power and melody, and they never make the mistake of overdriving the verses. The occasional bursts of exhibitionist soloing are tight and precise and Knowles can sing ballad and rocker with the same sassy confidence. It looks as if Stipe could be right, again. [Gareth K Vile]