Warchild Benefit @ Bannermans

A healthy turn out at one of Edinburgh's favourite cavernous venues were treated to a fine array of charity-motivated warblings this evening as the Warchild tour rolled into town. Good times.

The incredibly twee The Quiet Revolution (3/5) broke us in gently with their harmonic west coast (Scottish west coast that is) offerings, and although slightly hampered by the acoustics, the sentiments were not lost on an appreciative crowd.

Next up, and going one better than their predecessors by having a drummer, A Very Secret History (2/5) ticked the boxes marked 'stadium aspirations' with ease, but seemed to have sacrificed any bite and guile in doing so. Their MOR, undoubtedly radio-friendly ballads were all too easily forgettable, with only the Cure-tinged opener offering any real resistance.

Tour stalwarts Rebel Jane (3/5) upped the ante and the volume a little with their melodic rock and roll. Undoubted Muse-like ambitions were evident throughout and although never troubled, the intelligent arrangements and talent on show were impressive. The sound once again claimed victims though, with the harmonies only visual (unless there was some miming going on) and the bass ruling the mix quite comprehensively.

The Last Great Wilderness (4/5) brought the energy to the party and although a member light due to illness, the 3-piece were unrestrained in their furious and unashamed take on an angry, early-Manics sound. The perfect set up for the headliner and just about enough to awaken a tired-looking audience, the 'Wilderness take no prisoners, commanding the stage with ease.

Headliners the Rushes (4/5) maintained the standard to the end, comfortably finishing off the night with their catchy and at times hugely infectious pop-rock. Although at times seemingly merging into one another (it was late) the local five-piece would certainly appear to be ones to keep an eye on. A success indeed, even without the obvious charidee benefits, this was well worth the visit. [Jon Seller]