The Struts Make A Fine Return To The North

If the radio will not play your music and the record companies in the UK do not believe in you anymore what is a band to do? That was the situation facing British rock outfit The Struts. Thankfully they were picked up by a large American management company who had the vision to see that The Struts were a long term prospect.

Deciding that the only way to break the act in America was to tour constantly - and that is just what they did. The band are possibly one of the hardest working groups around, who have been on tour for the best part of three years including some prestigious support slots in the States with the Foo Fighters.

Every time they return back to the UK the venues they perform in get bigger. The years of constant touring have paid off: the show may look spontaneous but every move, stance and song has been primed to give maximum effect.

It would be easy to say that lead singer Luke Spiller has the look and moves of Freddie Mercury and whilst it is true that he does possess the showmanship of Mercury, with the flamboyant clothing to match, the likeable frontman gives it 110% - by the third song he is a ball of sweat and perspiration.

To make it work though you have to have some good songs which the band have in abundance. Primadonna Like Me opens up the set, hands are in the air and really if you didn't come to have a good time you might as well leave now, as Spiller is quick to inform the sold out crowd.

In an ideal world Body Talks would be a song everyone knows, whilst Tatler Magazine would be on every rock playlist in the country. Perhaps they are an undiscovered secret but at this rate not for much longer.

As Spiller sits down behind his keyboard someone behind me shouts out "Don't Stop Me Now" with reference to the Queen song. Somebody New might have Queen as a reference point but it is one of The Struts' finest tracks.

The eyeliner and the glam references might be piled high but so is the quality of music coming from the stage.

Could Have Been Me closes the night. If The Struts are not the name on everyone's lips soon no one can say that they didn't try. As Spiller thanks everyone from the venue staff to the road crew and the fans, arms might be aching from the raised hands in the air clapping. The voices might be hoarse from too much singing, but no one can deny The Struts of not trying and giving another classic performance.