Alcatraz Swim Team - The Prince Albert, Rodborough - Saturday, November 4.

ALCATRAZ Swim Team playing live for the very first time could have been a terrible mess, given how technology-driven their sound is, and given that debut album, On the Outskirts, left audiences with high expectations.

Thankfully, they more than lived up to the challenge, turning in a set at The Prince Albert last week that was by turns wistfully melancholic and in-your-face brutal.

The album takes equally sharp turns, diving between blissed-out tunes like Aqui and rap from Harry G and Mr Mustn't, but it sounds that much more impressive live.

Although the more delicate songs were lost somewhat in the excited buzz of a jam-packed venue, they did not vanish entirely and all three vocalists, Buce, Lauren and Claire, outdid themselves.

Given the loud, beery atmosphere, it's not really a surprise that the indefatigable Harry G and Mr Mustn't stole the show, with a combination of sheer self-belief, excellent rhymes and full-on audience support.

The guy stood next to me outbellowed the PA system during Umm's "ain't that the pot calling the kettle black?" refrain, irritatingly enthusiastic and ever so slightly off the beat. Umm should have closed the show - it has hit written all over it.

Things are looking good for Alcatraz Swim Team. They've got a superb album under their belts and they can play live. Let's hope there's no stopping them.

*Alcatraz Swim Team play at Bar Riga in Stroud on November 24 from 10pm.

Adam Horovitz