Rival Schools, Rival Schools, Rival Schools!! Ok, so I know I’m here to see … um, Rival Schools. But the question is, who else is? Well, I don’t care that the sweaty hoards of N*ck*lb*ck hoody wearers aren’t, and I’m in the minority. Just as long as they stay out of my line of view. I’m not letting anything come between… I’ll stop right there. I could say it was the best half hour I’ve had all month … so I will! Pure Beauty. Starting off with ‘High Acetate’ it gets better... And better. ‘Undercovers On’, ‘Travel By Telephone’ (swoon), ‘Good Things’ and yes, ‘Used For Glue’ does get those N*ck*l-lovers going. They even throw in non-album ‘Take One For The Team’. Score!

My eyes don’t stray for the whole set, more or less fixated on Walter Schreifels and the only other member I can see, (I’m short) Cache. We all know ‘United By Fate’ is pretty much flawless, but boy do the 'Schools lads know how to groove live. I never thought I’d use that word, go on; berate me, but when you’ve got an excellent band with all these 'labels' being flung at them, it’s reassuring to know that put them on a stage and they’re just a fucking awesome rock band. There’s no other way to describe it; they’re groovy. I think it’s safe to say I’m a ‘Hooligan For Life’ (yep they played that one too folks). And you shall be too. Oh yes, you shall.

Photo courtesy of Emma Porter.