The Pipettes / The 1990s @ King Tut's

The 1990s seem to be stuck in a quandary, torn between slapping on the glitter of indie cuteness and strapping on the full-throttle rock horn. An excellent band made from the ashes of two similarly excellent bands, the only real nod to their past was in the name. The new sound, like a pink-painted jet engine, is noisy, powerful, but really rather endearing, echoing the metallic clamour of seventies proto-punk. The Pipettes on the other hand, sing unforgettable, niggling pop tunes like the girl groups of yore, throwing a few silly moves along the way. Loved by the audience, the girls in polka dots sung about love, kissing and dancing as if they were soundtracking the greatest school dance since 'Grease'. Both bands are proof that pop can be a great seducer. [Jasper Hamill]