Neon Neon

Side projects, like spin-off sitcoms, can be dodgy territory. But when Gruff Rhys is involved, you know you're in safe hands... right?

In Rhys and the Super Furry Animals you have one of the most prolific and creative bands around – The Beatles of this generation if you believe Gary Lightbody. But, realistically, they're about as popular now as they're ever going to be. Over the past couple of years the offshoots have emerged in the shape of Acid Casuals, The Peth and two solo albums from Rhys. But it’s with the Boom Bip collaboration Neon Neon that Gruff has garnered the most attention.

Yo! Majesty's support slot is surely the closest thing you're going to get to seeing Missy Elliott in a working men's club. Shunda K and Jwl B point us out one by one, coaxing the crowd closer to the stage, while some random bloke jumps around at the back pressing buttons. I'll admit, before tonight their track on Neon Neon's Stainless Style was probably my least favourite on the record, but seeing them in the flesh changes that perspective. The beats are hard, the rhymes fierce, and the audience are left suitably warmed.

Neon Neon gather on stage to much devotion, egged on by Gruff’s 'Applause' cue card, and begin with the Tron-funk of 'Neon Theme'. Throughout the night, mathematic colours and shapes light up the screen behind them like a malfunctioning Amstrad on an old edition of Tomorrow's World. The whole evening could have been an extended edition of Look Around You; Gruff Rhys does have something of the confused Physics teacher about him. His band are expanded to include the effortlessly cool Cate Le Bon on keytar and Har Mar Superstar on break-dancing duties.

'I Lust U' and 'Told Her On Alderaan' - two perfect examples of Gruff's knack for a catchy tune - were brought out early; two breezy pieces of electro-pop that could have been the soundtrack to any number of Brat Pack road movies. For an album that was never meant to be played live, it's perhaps ironic that these songs sound even better here than on record; helped by the fact the band play like they've been together for years rather than months. Later, the seedy bassline of 'Michael Douglas' gets the crowd shuffling ("I need ...more... STUFF") and then 'Sweat Shop' brings back Yo! Majesty to pack out the tiny Brudenell stage for a brutal dance-off.

The end sees only Rhys and Boom Bip left on stage performing a mini techno workout, Gruff playing invisible drums with 'magic' glowing sticks. Chances are this is the last we'll hear from Neon Neon, and it's a celebratory finale to a project that was probably more successful than anyone thought it would be.