The NME Shockwaves Tour, Manchester Academy (From Warrington Guardian)

The NME Shockwaves Tour, Manchester Academy

THE opening slot of NME's annual tour has become a talent farm surpassing the flaky efforts of manufactured pop.

And this time proved no exception.

Both Coldplay and Franz Ferdiand made early advances in recent years and with tickets going for five times the face value outside, everyone wanted to be the first to see the rockers in-waiting.

Forthcoming album track I Predict A Riot from The Kaiser Chiefs got fans so excited that when Ricky Wilson stepped out into he was almost mobbed for his stylish tie.

Bloc Party soon followed, soon overshadowed by the harmonies of the Futureheads and another rousing set.

Their unique use of multiple vocalists kept the focus spread across the stage rather than allowing everyone's attention to gravitate towards the lead singer.

With an album behind them, the band relished the opportunity to send the crowd wild during an electric delivery of Kate Bush's Hounds of Love.

The Tour-toppers served up some storming tunes, with their name emblazoned in lights, drowned out by the sound of hysterial fans.

Jenny Was a Friend of Mine was followed by 'On Top' and 'Mr Brightside', while mosr recent release 'Sobody Told Me' caused a flurry of excitement.