The Moogs @ THe Mill

Until now, Listen Up has based it's opinion of The Moogs on two twenty-minute Battle Of The Bands slots. Last night they had the opportunity to prove to the locals that their back catalogue, as well as just the live favourites, are up to scratch with a full set at The Mill.

The Moogs are a four-piece, good-time pop band, immersed in traditional rock and roll whilst still bringing their own sharp edge to the genre despite easy comparisons with The Coral, The Kinks and any 50's rock and roll icon you care to name-check.

Irrational

The band manage to retain a unique streak that makes them not only easy to watch, but impossible to take your eyes off - not least because their suavely dressed bassist is a spitting image of Justin Timberlake, and seems to revel in the attention it provides.

Early songs in the set suffer from irrational sound levels as the drums drown out both guitars during Don't Let Me Down but any problems are rectified before any damage is done and the remainder of the set goes swimmingly yet inconspicuously. You get the impression The Moogs thrive off their audience, which is decidedly small tonight, and you can't help the feeling the band never hit top gear.

Comfortable

This said, the sound produced is no less indicative of their potential. Nothing To Do is a punk stomper with strong 60's undertones and growling vocals, whereas Separation barely stops in one place before changing direction and tempo. Crowd favourite Tell It Like It Is sees the band at their most comfortable and whilst not all songs contain the trademark skiffly-blues guitar solo, it is when the overtly calm lead guitarist is showing off that The Moogs experience is complete.

Slow-dance lullaby Alone proves that The Moogs have another dimension in reserve to keep tonight's static punters interested. With a UK tour currently underway, and some high-profile shows in July, the way seems to be paved for Blackpool's newest export, all they have to do is walk it - easier said than done.

Written by Dan Jeoffroy

Photography: Dan Jeoffroy