THIS tribute band to the mighty Electric Light Orchestra never fails to astound with its’ accurate recreation of the music of Jeff Lynne and the legendary hit-making band.

The seven-piece band from Hull, actually manages to have a string section comprising two cellists (Viv Blackledge and Livvy Newton).

Singer Andy Louis looked the part in his white suit, shades and curly hair (wig??), but more importantly he sounded the part as well. The vocals were incredible, as were the harmonies provided by bassist Pete Smith, guitarist Jan Christiansen and keyboard maestro Steve Hemsley.

Musically, you really couldn’t fault these guys, whose beat was provided by the excellent Tony Lawson.

The hits were all there, except for some strange reason Ma Ma Ma Belle.

Showdown, Wild West Hero and Livin’ Thing, as well as a couple of dozen others, were all lapped up by the enthusiastic audience during this, the bands’ fourth visit to Bolton..

This band really cares about the music, and they keep abreast of all things ELO.

For instance, a new track by the band is Latitude 88 North – a track that was unissued until 2007 when it saw daylight on a re-issue of Out of the Blue.

Also, they perform Xanadu, a chart-topper by ELO with vocals by Olivia Newton-John.

In 2002, Jeff Lynne re-recorded the track as released it on the Flashback box-set and that is the only release to feature this version – but The ELO Experience capture the Lynne version perfectly.

The use of backdrop animations are clever and witty.

Where else could you see river dancing chimps (Rock and Roll is King) and a Lego interpretation of The Diary of Horace Wimp (a song that is performed superbly, but which the original ELO never performed live).

The band’s ambition is to be able to perform the whole of the Out of the Blue album, and they go someway towards it by performing the whole of side three of the album, the sublime Concerto for a Rainy Day, which culminated in the tour de force that is Mr Blue Sky.

This song, along with Roll Over Beethoven and Don’t Bring Me Down, had the audience on their feet and joining in.

Wary as I am of tribute bands, especially of my favourite band, I have to say that The ELO Experience is up there with the best.