Clinic

Of all the many strange and wonderful things to be taken from the brief set of Rough Trade’s latest bright young hopes British Sea Power, the most striking is a solitary line regretfully sung as they drew to a close: ‘The past is a foreign place’. If they knew anything about current musical trends, they’d realise quite how ridiculous this sounds. But then, if British Sea Power knew anything about current musical trends, they would no doubt realise how ridiculous they sound. Fortunately for us, they clearly haven’t got a clue, and it is this that makes them such good value. Furthermore, as a result of being so wilfully anachronistic, they can successfully transcend their glaringly obvious reference points. Or, rather, reference point: Not only does singer Yan look and act like Ian Curtis risen from the dead, but the group echo early Joy Division by appearing dressed in full 1930s military garb and have a sound to match.

As well as the four band members, the Zodiac’s tiny stage is cluttered with, among other things, a hunting trophy and a stuffed owl. Don’t be mistaken into thinking that British Sea Power are macho or clever, however. Just accept the fact that they are one of Britain’s brightest prospects for 2002. And bloody good fun at that.

It’s not often I find myself saying this, but Clinic provide a reminder of where music is at right now: British Sea Power may give the impression that it’s 1977 all over again, but, of course, we are currently reliving 1997. We’ve got Black Rebel Motorcycle Club doing their early Six By Seven bit, Electric Soft Parade mimicking the glory days of the Boo Radleys and Clinic sounding like, well, Clinic. Where BRMC and ESP confirm the theory that the present is always made up of pale imitations of the past, however, Clinic prove the exception to the rule. Their latest album, 'Walking With Thee', may have been met with a somewhat underwhelming response, but don’t let this detract from the fact that Clinic are currently at the top of their game.

It’s been almost two years since the band last played Oxford, a gig not so much a damp squib as one sopping wet with perspiration. Tonight it’s like watching a completely different band. Or at least it would be if they didn’t sound so distinctive. Their songwriting and inventiveness have never been questioned, and now they have finally shown that they are a fantastic live band too, with the discipline and energy to match their undoubted talent. The set achieved a pleasing balance of new and older material and sounded universally magnificent, the stomping glam reworking of ‘Teenage Kicks’ that is previous single ‘Walking With Thee’ nestling perfectly alongside the thrash classic ‘Evil Bill’. Dressed in full surgical gear once again, and surrounded by flashing medical equipment, they look the part too.

Midway through the set, shortly before a stellar ‘Mr Moonlight', some wag in the crowd shouts out, ‘Is there a doctor in the house?’. There’s no need: Clinic are getting better all by themselves.