THESE NME showcase gigs have, over recent years, become absolute must-see shows for music fans.

Boasting the freshest bands around, it's the sort of night that any idea of missing the support bands for a cheeky pint in the bar is forgotten.

With each act capable of greatness, it came as something of a suprise when openers, The Thrills, got off to such a slow and sluggish start.

It was left to the darkness of New York's Interpol, to capture the attention of the sell out crowd.

Taking a collection of very English influences, the five-piece brought a sense of quality to proceedings.

Decked from head to foot in uniform black, they sounded like the perfect blend of Joy Division meets David Bowie.

When the mass line-up of The Polyphonic Spree arrived it was as bizarre as captivating. All dressed in Choirboy outfits, they've not only found a way of welding gospel, classical and guitar rock together but they do it in such a way that keeps that their credibility very much in-tact

But even after bringing the spiritual moment to the night, they are this year's indie scene's novelty act. You suspect that once they've spread a little joy and happiness they will disappear even more quickly than they arrived.

Leaving the headline spot to the high energy rush of New Zealand's, The Datsuns, was a worthy and fitting way to finish the show.