JJ72 and THIRTEEN 13

Manchester University

EVERYBODY was there to see JJ72 but support act Thirteen 13 proved they are a band for next year.

With a look that harks back to the Britpop days of the mid-'90s, at times they gave the impression they may have arrived six years too late.

But that would be to ignore the quality and strength of songs like Imperfect Perfection and Hoax. Heavily influenced by The Byrds, their style has a warm West Coast feel and is packed with infectious hooks.

When the headliners arrived it was obvious their hit single Oxygen had made a massive difference.

Earlier this year the nervous-looking trio almost hid behind their microphones.

Now, following the success appearance on Top of the Pops, they are positively glowing with confidence.

Strutting out on to the stage, Mark Greaney is man in his element. His amazing, octave-scaling vocals have impressed a new fanbase.

And with the stunning looks of bass player Hilary Woods they are close to having complete package.

Restricted to the material from their debut album, Greaney's captivating vocals were almost angelic.

Taking the sell-out crowd through the singles, it was almost like a greatest hits show -- and they've barely been with us 12 months.

CLIVE LAWRENCE