Nine Black Alps @ Cabaret Voltaire

If their debut album was a heady blend of post-grunge growling and indie pop tunes, then tonight's gig shows that Manchester's Nine Black Alps have spent the last year throwing yet more influences into the mix. Sam Forrest's purple blouse and scarlet lipstick might sit oddly with his gravel-laced voice and stubble, but there's certainly no doubting his musical talent. New single Burn Brighter shows a lighter pop sensibility edging into their songwriting, while their other new tracks - taken from forthcoming album Love/Hate - sound like Ash with better tunes and tidier vocals. When they close with crowd favourite Shot Down there's hardly a still foot in the house, as they prove that they can still rock the Cab's foundations despite this new communication with their feminine side. Judging by what they so ably accomplish tonight, Love/Hate should put the Alps back on the alt-rock map. [Isaac Walker]