Delays, Southampton University Students' Union

IT WAS Southampton band Delays' biggest gig to a home crowd so far.

Up to this point they'd been packing out The Joiners Arms in St Mary's but this was their first chance to really prove that they could cut it in front of a crowd made up of more than friends, family and well-wishers.

Happily the four lads from Bitterne more than rose to the occasion, proving that it won't be long before they are playing at still larger venues.

There was a real feeling of goodwill between the capacity audience and the band who seemed glad to be playing on home turf.

They played a storming set, combining material from their spectacular debut album, Faded Seaside Glamour, with new songs which also went down well with the crowd.

The boys all gave enthusiastic and energetic performances, with drummer Rowley throwing himself round behind his hit kit so much that you couldn't help thinking of Animal from The Muppets.

Lead singer Greg Gilbert and bassist Colin Fox put in solid and engaging performances, while Greg's younger brother Aaron oozed cool while looking like a cross between Happy Monday's Bez, Brad Pitt and a nice Freddy Krueger.

Greg's soaring, delicate yet powerful vocals were every bit as good live as they are on the album.

The band played all their hits, with the delighted crowd cheering and singing along, especially to the final number of their main set, their biggest hit to date, Long Time Coming.