Young Knives + Pete & the Pirates + The Outside Royalty, Joiners, Southampton

IT is commonplace at such a gig to arrive and endure a terrible local band as the opening act.

So it made a refreshing surprise to witness The Outside Royalty open the evening's events.

A London-based American-originating Arcade Fire-esque ensemble that come complete with the thrift shop image of their obvious major influence. Their sound forms part of a big, emphatic and boisterous performance that includes electric violin and cello.

Pete & The Pirates hail from Reading and are causing quite a stir with avant-garde music hacks and attentive listeners alike. They shake off the boys with guitar tag by creating a twisted, fun, melodic indie-pop that encompasses catchy riffs and quirky vocals.

The headliners, Young Knives, let down their predecessors somewhat on the night. Their tunes may be catchy and simple, yet their brand of comedy indie-pop punk-rock is patchy.

The highlights come courtesy of their first album which, by their own acknowledgement are their only three hits.

Much of their set is based around new material.

"You'll like them when you've heard it a few times on the radio," Henry Dartnall, front man and want to be stand up comedian, declares. He is probably not wrong - but why are they all dressed as stressed, sweaty teachers?