Saosin

Now you can believe the hype. As cover stars of the American music press, alternative rock five-piece Saosin have been looking to repeat their success over here for the past year but it’s not been as immediate as hoped.

Miscounting tonight’s headline gig as only their second in London - it’s actually their third - bassist Chris Sorenson kind of makes a shrewd point: "Ah Camden doesn’t count." It didn’t really. Despite all the promo that preceded the arrival of the Californian band last November, Saosin failed to confirm what the fuss was about. Lead singer Cove Reber, who seems to be continuously dogged by illness, spluttered his way through the set leaving a bad taste in the mouth for all. And the professional sick boy was even hospitalised recently after a projectile vomiting incident, which forced the cancellation of a Give It A Name show.

However, as all four musicians - plus Cove - literally bound on stage and power straight into benchmark setter 'It’s Far Better To Learn', it’s quite clear their bill of health is completely clean and the stamina looks to last.

Significantly tonight will, at the very least, crown the band with the glory of a hardcore crowd's love. Saosin are so in tune with their, albeit intimate, audience, they are almost in it. All three guitarists work the stage with terrific intent, climbing up the speakers and only just ricocheting off the pas. And notwithstanding Cove’s whinge about the flying beer, the band promote a very positive engagement with their fans. There’s even a pause to announce some birthdays plus a 'total request live' slot – and they do deliver two songs the majority holler at them.

But up to this point every setlist entry could have been hand-picked anyway. The emotive hook of 'You’re Not Alone' manages to provoke goosebumps despite dripping with moshpit sweat and latest single 'Voices', which may never cut as well live as on record, still carries all its vocal intensity. And as the crowd sing back at the band, Reber revels in their unprecedented knowledge and passion. Naturally the lad threatens to spew again – fortunately everyone is spared the reverse chicken sandwich – but he seems sick with pleasure now. And that feeling is definitely catching on at last.