Polytechnic

Since Ian Brown and Bez learnt how to imitate a constipated monkey, it seems all these Mancunian lads really want to do is dance, dance, dance. Which makes latest hot tips Polytechnic a bit of a strange proposition.

Given the current fanfare of hype surrounding their every note, and with the endorsement of a certain Damo Suzuki still ringing in their ears, one would expect something more vibrant and off-kilter than the average Flaming Lips-by-numbers fare that dominates their opening four numbers. Even more alarmingly, some of the more wistful guitar hooks stray into Thrills territory, which is never a good thing. Fortunately, seeing the second half of the set is like watching a different band entirely, and the gallant haze of 'Penguin' coupled with the errant feedback wash of 'Let Me Down' confirms the rumours that the sonic youth are alive and well in the rain-soaked backstreets of Manchester.

When people mention "industrial" music, they'll try to bore you with stories of Trent Reznor emaciating himself with razorblades whilst screaming "DIE!!!" a hundred times over a high speed drum machine. Wrong, wrong, WRONG.

Not since the first New Order long player (Movement) has anyone conveyed the acrid stench of factory fumes, disused warehouses and derelict viaduct bridges into an itchy musical collage like The Longcut.

With an air of expectancy that should rightfully have carried them into the confines of the UK singles chart by now, The Longcut take as many genres of alternative music, past and present, as you dare mention and splice them up with a lo-fi punk/funk finesse that would cause an afterwake at any death disco. Indeed, any band that can afford to put something as delectable as 'Idiot Check' - given its live debut tonight during the encore - out as a forthcoming b-side must have a host of tricks up their sleeves.

Indeed they have, such as singing drummer Stuart Ogilvie, whose constant hopping from mic stand to drumstool evokes memories of The Beta Band's chaotic swap shop of their early days. Similarly, the booming bassline of 'A Quiet Life' could easily be the sequel to New Order's 'Everything's Gone Green' while 'Late Night Bus' is something Braithwaite and co. would never come up with - post-rock you can actually dance to!

As a live band, The Longcut have few peers at present. Ignore them and you deserve to remain seated in your comfy chairs forever.