The New Standard @ The Lot, Aug 10

If the notion of attempting a toned down take on Slipknot's far from mellow Vermillion set to a backdrop of lounge room candles has ever occurred to you, then you have a more vivid imagination than me. It would seem that Julie McKee and Steve Lawson are tuned into such a wavelength, and what's more, it doesn't sound half bad. Performed in the ambient arena of an obsolete church, conversions were the order of the day in the Lot. McKee's syrupy voice, propelled along by Lawson's elaborate six string bass compositions tackled everything from Buggles and The Cure, to Oasis and Green Day. Each of the tracks got a good undressing, some more successfully than others. The much covered Black Hole Sun, for example, loses its sense of appeal when not growled by Chris Cornell's gravely, abrasive voice. Ultimately though The New Standard turned out to be a cosy wind down, enjoyed with a welcome night cap. [Finbarr Bermingham]