An adequate group of keen giggers had arrived to see Theaudience who took to the stage first. Fronted by an attractive female lead singer and with some hummable pop tunes the band will undoubtably acheive a higher profile. One of three guitarists joined the band on stage after their third song, late, apparently. Although a little samey, standout song was forthcoming debut 'If You Can't Do It When You're Young, When Can You Do It?' Indeed.

Next came New wave lo-fi outfit Warm Jets who boast a strong backcatalogue of singles so far. Frontman Louis Jones (Of Zoe Ball datingfame) has a strong voice and played songs such as the likeable 'Never Never' and the anthemic, if lo-fi can be anthemic, 'Hurricane.' The band are relatively low key on stage, or tonight anyway, and they are a more attractive option on record. 'Move Away' was another tune worthy of mention for its dense, swirling guitar work.

Taking the stage to rapturous applause came the fast developing Asian Dub Foundation. Consisting of lead vocals, thumping big bass, biting guitar and deckman, the band are new, and exciting. Their particular brand of incendiary, political agit-pop is infectious. You will dance, as does the 'New Bez' who often abandons his decks and throws some moves. Big beat ferocious songs such as 'Free Satpal Ram' (A genuine plea about a friend whom the band consider wrongfully imprisoned) and 'Naxalite' are firm live favourites. Unsigned until recently when rave reviews from bands such as Primal Scream made people sit up and pay attention, ADF will be massive in '98. The Chemicals appear to be taking a break to concentrate on their new label and ADF are pretenders to the crown.

Finally came headliners Stereophonics who have had a quick rise to fame due to hard touring and a bloody fantastic debut album 'Word Gets Around.' A tight, close knit three piece fronted by the resolutely serious Kelly Jones, all their songs are played to an expectant audience who know all the words. Britpop never sounded so good as in 'More Life In A Tramp's Vest', and as for stomping guitar anthems: take your pick - 'A Thousand Trees', 'Local Boy In The Photograph' and the brooding grower 'Looks Like Chaplin'. Lyrically all the songs focus on the boys' home town somewhere in South Wales, and they are poignant tales of lost love, suicide, abuse, and ermm...market traders. The only qualm is the 'phonics rather rock by numbers delivery. Jones has little in the way of on-stage personality and profers only a mumbled 'thanks' after each song. I do not want rambled interludes, lengthy introductions, and an egomaniac who never shuts up: just a more lucid Kelly. Otherwise excellent.

Altogether a formidable package, well worth the humble £7 ticket price. Roll on next year with the emergence of a whole new variety of fresh acts.

Reviewed by Greg O'Keeffe