Athlete

Boy Kill Boy were an unfortunate casualty of a romantic encounter at Camdens Bar Ganza but on past experience I know they are a worthy act in their own right. Still, with a lighter than normal step we hot footed it down to the Roundhouse to catch the evenings main event.

Always emotionally charged Athlete have never failed to inspire and as frontman Joel Pott asked the crowd 'are you up for it?!’ we instinctively knew that HE was.

With three albums under their belt Athlete have secured that cherrished favourite uncle spot in the hearts of their adoring fans. Reassuringly familiar their excentric sound can be described as Prefab Sprout play upbeat Snow Patrol.

All the staples are here tonight 'Westside’ and 'You Got The Style’ from debut 'Vehicles & Animals’ get a typically rapturous welcome as does a scintillating version of 'Wires’ alongside 'Chances’, 'Twenty Four Hours’ and 'Tourist’ from their 2nd long player. From 'Beyond The Neighbourhood' we had 'Tokio’, 'Hurricaine’ and 'Second Hand Stores’ which opened proceedings.

Athlete seem to ingrain a sense of bon humour and instill a state of perpetual well being within the audience which are ready to embrace all that is thrown their way. Love was in the air tonight. Another great gig from the Depford four.