The Mae Shi / Johnny Foreigner @ KCLSU, May 13 2008

Bloody hell.

We'll start with the merely very good, I think. Johnny Foreigner were mighty fine: tight and engaging, poppy and rocky, funny and humble and blessed with oodles of talent and charm. They're great, and if there's any justice they'll be massive. (There isn't, and they probably won't, but never mind.) Their CD should drop through my letter box any day now, and so I'll be writing a more extensive review for GigsReviewsNews. If it's half as good as their live set, it'll be compulsory purchase time.

But! Amazing as they were, they were second best, because the Mae Shi just put on one of the more incredible shows I've seen for a long, long time. The kind of show that makes you think 'hang on. All those "good gigs" I went to? Where I had a nice time and enjoyed myself? Maybe danced a little? Waste of my time'. I haven't grinned so wide since I saw Subtle last year, and even Subtle didn't dismantle the drum kit and hand bits of it to the crowd, or cover most of the front eight rows with a giant white sheet. (Dancing under a sheet is fun, but hurts your shoulders.)

Great music, boundless energy, and a totally winning attitude make them a must-see band. I urge you. I implore you. I beg you. Go up and see them. They will make you smile.