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Ok, so first off I must iterate the fact that this particular run down is in no particular order, nor is it a definitive list of the best British record labels of all time (as if such a breakdown could ever be truly quantified). It is simply a list of some personal favourites within the British...MORE>>

Turning up as early as humanly possible, I was looking forward to this gig having become I great Kassidy fan over the last few months since reviewing them for this very site. Once inside I noticed the place was exceptionally quiet throughout the first support act - the fantastic Ray Summers, definitely one to watch out for. The Classic Grand filled up pretty soon after that, with most people there in time to catch the second support, who unfortunately in my opinion had their thunder stolen by the band before them and thus left very little impression - I can't even remember their name! However this was Kassidy's night and after a few minutes of light testing the stage was finally set.

Arriving to a warm, welcoming reception they kicked off their set with the simply titled 'Yeah'. Surprisingly, with their material being acoustic heavy, the sounds of an electric guitar filled the air making for a nice addition to the folky-blues based material which they are clearly masters at. Second up was single (and track one on The Rubbergum E.P) 'Night In the Box' which appeared for the majority of the song exactly as the recorded

version. However an amazing heavy electric solo came out of the blue and closed the tune, again highlighting that Kassidy aren't afraid to mix the acoustic and electric elements. In fact they do so with ease. All the songs were here, all the harmonies in place, the perfection everywhere, and - most of all - the crowd were loving it. There was no talking to the fans between songs, no stupidly long delays, the night was about the music, and what sweet music it was.

The exceptional (and personal favourite) 'Stray Cat' came - as expected - towards the end of the show and again had a heavier, funky feel towards it alongside the blues of the recorded version. Kassidy's songs make it clear to see why Vertigo Records have already got behind them, and their live performances only make this more obvious. Finishing with a raging solo, heavier than anything that had been played before, Kassidy, pure and simply, blew me away and as such I was slightly saddened to see no encore. However this may be down to lack of material, or maybe the band feel (quite rightly) that an encore shouldn't be a definite part of the show, the crowd should be responsible for that. Despite there being enough cheering and applause to warrant such return, they only appeared to bow, thank the fans, and then the gig was over.

Grabbing myself a copy of The Rubbergum E.P on the way out from the merchandise on sale, I could only think of how quickly the whole thing had gone by. "Time flies when you're having fun" couldn't have been more true and Kassidy where a brilliant band to see for my first gig of the new decade. One to catch again? Yes. Highly recommended? Most definitely.