The Kooks, The Automatic @ Anglia Ruskin, Jan 2006

The Kooks were captivating tonight. Well crafted sing along ditties were delivered well by a tight unit and inspiring front "man". They were a joy to watch and be nudged around to. The Automatic were competent musicians but their music wasn't anything new or inspirational. The mad keyboardist who was jumping all over the stage was more than irritating too. (Photo thanks to Sam).

David Ford @ the Soul Tree, Cambridge, Jan 2006

First gig of the new year and I went on a whim - I'd heard that demand for tickets was high so thought I'd pop along. This lad has an amazing voice and is a fantastic musician, so I guess that's what all the fuss is about. Oh yeah, and he's a great performer too. A couple of the songs were a bit too MOR for me but mostly I was reminded of Damian Rice - which can't be a bad thing in my book. If you like singer songwriters who have more to offer than your average whingers and whiners, (no need to mention names here I guess?), then Mr Ford is for you. I suggest trying to see him whilst you still can without taking out a loan.