Kagoule, Soup Kitchen, Manchester

KAGOULE are the latest band to have been churned out of a blossoming music scene in Nottingham, which in recent years has produced the likes of Jake Bugg, Sleaford Mods and Saint Raymond.

The trio are a bit different from the radio-friendly singer/songwriters and angry 21st century John Cooper Clarke due though, delivering a knockout grunge blow at Manchester's Soup Kitchen on Friday night.

Their debut album Urth may have slipped under the radar when it was released earlier this year but comprised of a sonic sensation that half-sounded like it belonged on the bill with Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins circa 1992.

Kagoule are all rumbling bass tones, uncompromising drums and most importantly trance-like shoe gaze vocals and guitar tones which chop between chimey and muddy.

An angsty young three-piece guitar/bass/drum combo may not be the most ground breaking formula but Kagoule are full of energy and completely absorbing throughout.

Riffs are delicious and plentiful, full force screams down the microphone are frequent and ears are left ringing long after the amps are switched off and the drums are packed back on to the tour van.

Kagoule are something of a throwback but that doesn't mean they're prehistoric - they are instead a refreshing take on a familiar formula.

Besides, a grunge revival is surely long overdue.

ADAM EVERETT