I was stopped a few times before and after this astoundingly excellent gig by the Cats and there was only one real question people wanted to discuss: Why aren't Cats in Space playing much bigger venues? It's a great question. Is it because of the name as some posited? Is it because the band are of the older persuasion? Is it because of the lack of mainstream media support? Is it because their target audience is reluctant to venture out these days? Whatever the reason is there's absolutely no doubt that Cats in Space are one of the very best bands on the circuit right now.

It is always the sign of a great gig that at the time 7one doesn't notice what wasn't played. For instance, tonight there was no Silver And Gold, Hologram Man , Chasing Diamonds, 2.59 nor the simply astonishing Bootleg Bandoleros. There was plenty of fantastic 70s inspired pompy/Queeny/melody laden stuff and in Damien Edwards a singer of tremendous talent and what appears to be little ego. Lob in a superb rhythm section, a top notch twin guitar attack all underpinned by sympathetic keys and all bases are very much covered.

The ninety minute set list was so full of feline fun that it absolutely flew by. Opting not to open with Too Many Gods seemed initially to break the laws of physics but it appeared quickly and flawlessly although Dean Howard wanted more of himself in his monitors. Guitar heroes eh? Playing the singles from Kickstart The Sun together was a sound decision and it was clear that most in attendance knew all the words and the crowd response was rapturous throughout.

Simon Bray