Live Review: Sex On Toast, Horns Of Leroy, Jess Fairlie

As she hits that first note, it's easy to tell that Jess Fairlie's strength lies in her vocal ability - it's seemingly as effortless as her relaxed stage presence. Her soulful vocals ring out as she settles into the groove of her latest release, Senses. The set includes a cover of the Jackson 5 hit I Want You Back; queue the mandatory singalong session. All credit to her tight three-piece band, which provide some smooth guitar solos that make an appearance mid-way through each track. 

After a wait so long that a few punters are heard discussing their burning desire for a brief nap, the Horns Of Leroy are finally front and centre. Each gripping their instrument and ready to begin, but for now it's all eyes on the sousaphone. Its enormous size has the crowd baffled, and a hush immediately overcomes the room. Next, our ears are filled with a delicious cacophony of every brass tone and harmony imaginable. They are reminiscent of the New Orleans-style brass bands that crowds would flock to on Frenchman or Bourbon Street. Stevie Wonder classic, Isn't She Lovely is transformed into a half time slow jam, and the energy escalates as they launch into everyone's favourite, Marvin Gaye's Sexual Healing. 

A dreamy keys solo melts out of the speakers and the Sex On Toast crew, dressed in red, saunter over to their places on the stage. Their choreographed entrance, complete with the most entertaining facial expressions and dance moves of your dreams is a taster of what's yet to come. They begin, full guns blazing, from the very first note. There isn't one second in their entire set that sees a drop in energy or effort. Each member is given their time to solo, and each time we're reminded yet again why this band is undoubtedly one of the best acts in the game. First and foremost, they're all individually masters of their instruments, so not only are you blown away by their intense stage presence, but their true talent lies in being able to put on a show without compromising the music. This is where the real joy comes from - watching Sex On Toast do their thing. 

How Did You Get There rockets the night into the next level of party mode. Doubt, from their Ready EP has inspired punters trying out their own dance moves and a grimy, guitar-heaving version of A Product You Designed is a great throwback for long-time fans. It's not often you see a costume change for an encore, but clearly Sex On Toast specialise in detail. Dream frontman, Angus Leslie with right hand man Zak Pidd warm up with some call and response and then it's straight into Oh Loretta! Their entire set is a climax of organised chaos and through all the intensity on stage, not once do they miss a beat, or the opportunity for a dance routine.