The Longcut @ King Tuts

It feels like The Longcut have been around for years, yet the young Mancunians have only just released their debut album, which tonight they are unleashing on a sweaty Tuts crowd on possibly the hottest day of the summer so far. Things have changed for the genre hopping, electrode junkies; vocalist, drummer and keyboardist Stuart has had a hair cut and they now often crack a smile. Yet their intense and almost visceral sound hasn't changed, even if there is a lack of persona on stage - the beat from the drum synthesiser on 'A Quiet Life' and the optimistic guitars and hammering drums of 'Transition' are so uplifting that the crowd can't help but bop and sway along. Paying homage to their roots, their half guitar half dance led sound creates a pace that would suit a Hacienda club night. If it wasn't so damn hot I'm sure they would have been given a better send off by the crowd. [Rhona Macalister]