REM, Rose Bowl, Southampton

RETURNING to rock relevance thanks to dazzling new record Accelerate, the question is now whether REM's new-found verve translates live.

A band with more than 25 years in their legs, can three middle-aged men muster the energy to thrill stadiums again?

Considering Southampton finds them slap bang in the middle of their current world tour, they're bearing up pretty well.

It takes just a few chords to realise Michael, Mike and Peter mean business - it's REM truly back on top of their game.

Taking its lead from the electrified offerings of the new material, the first half of the show powers along mightily.

Michael Stipe is locked into a loose-limbed groove and remains a hypnotic frontman.

Peter Buck seems chuffed to bits to have been allowed to crank his guitar back up to 10, while the multi-instrumental talents of Mike Mills are as impressive as ever.

There is a real joie de vivre on show, while the trio retain the family-like tightness that has carried them through 14 albums and beyond.

See Stipe and Buck's 'discussions' a few tracks in and the effortless Stipe-Mills vocal exchange on Orange Crush.

In the main it's a balls-out rock show and all the better for it.

But a mid-set break sees Stipe accompanied solely by Mills at the piano for Nightswimming, and it's followed by an acoustic jam through Let Me In - written for Kurt Cobain.

It's a stunning moment and a breathtaking exhibition of the band's emotional power.

REM's anti-Bush sentiment also remains rampant, which accounts for a fair amount of the pulsating energy on latest single Man Sized Wreath.

Yes, this may be REM retracing their steps somewhat, but after a few too many years in the wilderness, it's great to have them back.

Gigs you just don't want to end? Yep, one of those...