Support came from a bizarre Norwegian combo whose name I didn't catch. An instrumental 60s-style surf band, they were different (and loud) enough to be enjoyable and diverting.

Then, resplendent in matching sparkling bowling shirts, came Rocket From The Crypt. As the audience chanted his name, Speedo ("that's my name, don't wear it out"), took his place between the trumpet, sax, bass, guitar and Bez-like dancer. Then the fierce psychobilly punk of "Born In 69" burst out the speakers; a huge sound - as you would expect from a 7-piece band - that more than filled the cramped confines of the venue and sent the front section of the audience wild. "On A Rope" followed, with its thumping drums and chanted refrain; pummelling our eardrums into submission.

Perhaps it was because of the sheer volume of the first part of the set - coupled with the general poor sound quality; or perhaps it was due to the fact RFTC's material is not exactly varied, but 10 minutes or so into the gig, all the songs were sounding the same. There were a few standouts ("Suit City", "Young Livers" and a Spectoresque slowie that I didn't catch the title of), but a large part of the gig gelled into one long thunderous rock n roll assault. Yet it was always enjoyable; particularly due to RFTC's great stage presence. They look superb - all sequins and greased-back hair - and Speedo's banter is spot-on. Resembling a latter-years punk Elvis, he is all Gracelands false sincerity and humour. At one point during an especially frantic number, one of the audience attempted to surf his way on stage. "Excuse me. Are you in showbusiness?" asked Speedo. "No? Well stay off the stage. There's enough of us up here already." There were stories about parts of dogs' anatomy (don't ask), paeans to the spirit of rock & roll, audience participation handclapping - the lot. It certainly made a change from most bands' cursory between-song thank you's and was genuinely amusing.

Having said that, the person I was at the gig with was too small to see the band on stage at all, and still said it was a great show, so perhaps I'm underestimating the raw power of RFTC's music. Certainly, no-one else on the mainstream alternative scene (is that a contradiction?) is spouting forth stuff like this, and there is definitely a place for it. Part of me would however like to see them in a larger venue with a better PA; but another part of me hopes they stay playing Crypt-like venues like this - it suits their nature perfectly.