The Phantom Band @ Cabaret Voltaire, 17 Mar

For a group in some mild form of ascension, a chance to see The Phantom Band in some cosy confines on your doorstep is not something you’d want to miss. It seems few people have, as a bulging, sweaty and uncomfortable Cabaret Voltaire plays host to one of the final shows of the group’s gruelling European tour.

In amongst the throng, the initial run of potential barnstormers Folk Song Oblivion and The Howling seem somewhat muted and badly mixed, robbing us off the throbbing bass riff that should have ignited the crowd by the time they drop Into The Corn. Taking a step back to a more elevated position proves a wise move, obvious perhaps for a band known to raise even the dourest of Scottish spirits. A Glamour and Left Hand Wave prove worthy of the tussle but there’s a feeling that we, and The Phantoms, deserve better than this. [Darren Carle]