Who are U2?

Considering Bongo and the boys were in town last night (ditto System of a Down, The La's, Joy Zipper) it was still almost a full house at N&D for Sons & Daughters. First support, The Alpha Western, started with a country-rock vibe, and faux American vocals, and got heavier as their set progressed. Solid enough stuff if a little unimaginiative and uncommunicative.

Glasgow's Mother & the Addicts followed with a much sunnier attitude and an 80's New Wave sensibility. Good jerky/jerk-y pop in a B-52's/Rezillos vein, comic song titles which weren't quite as funny as they thought they were.

Running late by now, S&D still made us wait through the compulsory intro song (if bands would stop doing this they could squeeze another song in, surely), but did seem to keep the songs short and sweet. From what John tells me about the CD, these songs come into their own in a live context. Bigger venues than N&D will suit them no end.

A decent show all the same. I missed the encore (assuming they did one) to get the last tram but would recommend them if they're playing near you. Plus they give away free S&D lighters. I'll be using mine to light the cooker, obviously.