The Bluetones @ Cabaret Voltaire

Familiarity, we're told, breeds contempt. The Bluetones seem hell bent on disproving this supposition, with their second Edinburgh gig in as many months, this time in the subterranean cavities of Cabaret Voltaire. "I can't understand you sir," Mark Morriss responds to one zealous fan. Surely it's only a matter of time before he gets to grips with the accent. Nostalgia is a given at a Bluetones show - however, an upturn in the quality of their most recent output has added another dimension and provided them with extra ammunition to augment their previously half loaded gun. The likes of 'Head On A Spike' sit proudly alongside old favourites from the Expecting To Fly and Last Chance Saloon LPs and the claustrophobic confines of Cab (as opposed to a half full Liquid Room) are conducive to an intimate atmosphere, and one which they excel in. The inclusion of some weaker tracks from the intervening period are forgiven, as The Bluetones make a slightly marvellous return. [Fergal Baggio]