DUM DUMS, Manchester Arena

THE Dum Dums looked far from overawed when they kicked off proceedings for Robbie Williams on his arena tour.

Looking and sounding like a lighter version of American rock acts like Green day or Blink 182, the lads' confidence exceeds their short time on the circuit.

But since the release of their last Top 20 hit Can't Get You Out Of My Thoughts back in June, the trio have gone from strength to strength.

Festival appearances at this year's Glastonbury, Party In The Park, V2000 and T in the Park have shaped a strong, in yer face stage presence.

And with more TV appearances than the band care to remember, they have an instant bond with youngsters who packed the front rows.

Taking their inspiration from everyday life and turning the mundane into inspiring, infectious punk pop is fast becoming the group's trademark.

The next single, You Do Something To Me, is no different. It's all about divorce, adultery, anti-depressants and even suicide.

Heavy stuff for a group so young. But as the spiky guitars wreak havoc, the band's bizarre observations of suburban life are lost in the wall of noise.

As they leaped around the stage they looked like they were having the time of their lives. Even the odd tumble and wrong note simply added to the fun.

Leaving the stage to wave of applause, the Dum Dums were simply irresistible.

CLIVE LAWRENCE