TOMPAULIN'S first gig in Blackburn should have been a night to remember.

But after losing a running battle with sound problems and the clock, it's one they'll want to forget.

Featuring four members from Blackburn, the seven-piece have won nothing but praise for their poetic, radio-friendly style.

With everyone so focused on the main band, after a late start any interest in the early support acts was lost. The poor sound ensured that neither the acoustic Vinny Peculiar nor the Stereolab-influenced Kicker made any impression.

By the time Maupa took to the stage the night was crying out for something to spark the event into life. With their lazy, laid-back, post Gomez percussive style, David Boon and his band looked totally unfazed by the problems. Looking much more committed than on previous outings, the Clayton-based group stole the show.

With the clock having struck midnight by the time Tompaulin appeared, things didn't look good. The problems had got worse as the night wore on and reproducing their precise sound was difficult. They showed enough of their well-crafted songs to suggest they do have something to offer.

The heavy guitar of My life Is A Car Crash, mixed with a sobering lyric, was a highlight. As they finished with an extended version the new single Slender, the potential was there to see. But with far to many loose moments, they really need to play the town again and soon -- only this time delivering the quality performance we know they're capable of.

CLIVE LAWRENCE