WHAT a fantastic coup for this small venue to secure these three first-rate bands, two of which are about to explode onto the indie scene and will be mentioned in the same breath as the likes of The Killers and The Kaiser Chiefs.

Mystery Jets have recently supported Bloc Party and The Futureheads. Loosely categorised as indie prog-rock their sound was pleasant but not tuneful or emotional enough to compete in the higher rock and roll stakes.

The Arctic Monkeys are touted as the Northern Libertines, which is wrong - The Libertines have about six great songs in their canon, while these Sheffield teenagers have at least that number at this stage of their career. Fresh from supporting The Coral, their catchy but punchy tunes included I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor, Mardy Bum, Bigger Boys and Stolen Sweethearts. If they can avoid the personal demons that stalk Pete Docherty, these lads will be bigger than The Libertines.

Dogs are arguably the best new band on the indie scene. Having seen them upstage the brilliant Ravonettes in Newcastle recently, there was the worry that the second time wouldn't be as good. The fear was unfounded; they delivered a masterclass in rock and roll. The outstanding singles London Bridge, She's Got A Reason and Tuned To A Different Station never overshadowed the other material. With their first CD release in July, this will be the summer of Dogs.

Published: 01/06/2005