Mystery Jets (London)

Mystery Jets have always felt like one of those bands that existed only ever in the background of the music scene. Never going to shock or change the world, their music has always been quite harmless and to be quite honest, sometimes, a little dull.

The band, now a four-piece (only for live shows mind), take to the stage to a heroes-like reception from tonight’s sold out crowd. The venue, if you can call it that, feels more like a damp cave, whilst the sound is awful - hardly surprising when you consider that this place also doubles as a Laser Quest!

This doesn’t seem to affect the group's performance though and even older songs like ‘The Boy Who Ran Away’ and ‘Alas Agnes’, although still harmless, live are given a fresh energy that make it anything but dull. Despite the bad sound however, it’s the new material that manages to stand out like a beauty queen in a British porno. New single ‘Young Love’ is a slab of classic offbeat pop and tonight, with a Laura Marling guest appearance, manages to whip the crowd into frenzy. But it’s ‘Flakes’ that shines brightest this evening, with its timeless feel sending the spine tingling and marking the change and ultimately the giant leap forward that the band have taken since the release of their debut.

Despite no encore, due to the venue's curfew (it’s Saturday night for Christ’s sake!), we leave the gig certain of two things. Firstly, never see a show at Electrowerkz! And secondly, Mystery Jets are evolving into something very special indeed.

Now then, anyone up for a spot of Laser Quest?

Electrowerkz, London, 29th February 2008.

Written by Ivan Berry.