Two Gallants + Blitzen Trapper + Kelley Stoltz, Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth

OVER the last year the live music scene in Bournemouth has improved by leaps and bounds - hip-hop bad boys, venerable legends, rock workhorses and shiny popsters all appear with reassuring regularity - yet I still find myself trawling the M27 for true aural excitement.

This night at The Wedge-wood Rooms in Portsmouth had the added bonus of value for money - three bands for a tenner. And what bands!

First up, from San Francisco was Kelley Stoltz, guitar music with a psychedelic cut, delivered with a joy and reverence which was positively uplifting.

Blitzen Trapper's four guitars to the front took the energy levels up a notch. At times chaotic these Portland guys crossed B52's jerkiness with Zappa quirkiness and rooted it all in country outlaw sensibilities.

Top of the bill was Two Gallants. For two guys, basic drum kit and guitar they played a blinder.

Touring their third album these Bright Eyes-associates injected punk passion into tales of the Old West worthy of Neil Young.

Stunning live and capable of plaintive and memorable melody they do not disappoint on CD.