AFTER a start delayed by electrical problems and preceded by a

decidedly lukewarm DJ, support band A Certain Ratio could do little to

warm up the by then freezing crowd.

Beset by sound problems, only older tracks like their mercurial

version of Shack Up and 1989's Won't Stop Loving You stood out from the

overall tedium. This was a lightweight, listless set by a band who look

like they are past caring.

There were no such problems for the headliners, although the opening

instrumentals, while hugely impressive, gave their game away. This is

Acid Jazz at its most mainstream: without the acid and without the jazz,

but instead a potent brew of seventies soul and funk influences, notably

MFSB, Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield.

Unfortunately, although the eight-piece band look and sound the part

(Superfly guys to a man), they more often sound like the imitators they

are than the originals they crave to be.

Singer N'Dea Davenport adds a colourful and soulful presence to the

whole affair.