THERE may be only three of them but goodness, these boys pack a real punch.

Wille and the Bandits give the classic power trio line-up - guitar, bass and drums a unique twist - and live, served up a treat at the Mechanics.

At the heart of what they do is some supreme musicianship. Wille Edwards on slide guitar and vocals is an engaging frontman ably backed up by Matt Brooks on both six-string and stand-up bass and drummer Andrew Naumann.

It's easy to see why the band have gained such a reputation for their live shows as they powered through a set which included out and out blues, such as a brilliant cover of Robert Johnson's Crossroad Blues through to full blown rock and roll.

With an array of peddles at his disposal and a case full of guitars, Wille Edwards managed to coax some remarkable solos while perched on his chair on stage.

Behind him the complex time signatures laid down by Naumann on both drum kit and array of percussion took the show off to Latin America, Africa and then back to Delta.

An extended instrumental - Angel - written as a tribute to Wille's late mum was simply stunning. At times the band evoked memories of old Cream or Hendrix recordings, at other they were like the Foo Fighters in full cry.

They will be hitting the festival circuit hard this summer - try and catch them if you can.