Another night out for YSOS, another 10,000 Things gig - it’s becoming a regular occurrence but we are not complaining to say the least! If Sam Riley is not at the top of NME’s cool list by next year then I shall eat my hair.

There are a number of reasons why tonight should be more interesting than usual though. First of all, guitarist Davro is a bit worse for wear, to the point that he almost went onstage with the wrong band thinking it was their time to play. But, all considering - and we don’t know how the hell he managed it - he rocked his little socks off without any inkling of the state he was in (apart from making some hideous noises fiddling with the amp, and being told off by Sam for being a lightweight, that is). The lads all look very smart tonight wearing suits - after all this is the Debt Collect-Tour (see what they’ve done there??).

Although there are some fairly annoying and amusing photographers and hecklers in the crowd tonight, Sam manages to be his usual social self and entertains with his lovable banter. First song is ‘You’re Nicked’ which is an amazingly catchy track about, erm being nicked, I guess, but it works getting the crowd going. Before long there is drink spillage, women dancing provocatively at the front of the stage and even moshing. ‘Oh No!’ is just about one of the Things’ best tracks and is played tonight with as much enthusiasm as it’s enjoyed by the crowd. A couple of new tracks are played meaning that yet again a handful of awesome tunes will get left off this set list (although the new songs do sound fantastic!). There is never enough time in a 10,000 Things set - they could go one for 2 hours and only then would I be quite content.

Throughout the set more drinks get spilled, more flirting is done by Sam & the girls in front of the stage, and the atmosphere bubbles over. The lads play some of their finest material including ‘Loverboy’, ‘Sinking ship’ and ‘Dogsbody’. If everyone leaves this gig and does not feel the urge to tell everyone they know including their granny that 10,000 Things are the best thing since jaffa cakes then I would not only be surprised but very irritated. Another great gig, they never fail to entertain in every way, no matter how drunk certain members of the band are! Please go and see them when they next play at a club near you, it’s just not normal if you don’t!

So, what do the music magasines know about the “sensitive side” of a group of sexed up 20-some”Things”? Their stage show gives anything but that impression - but close up and personal in the smaller venues of Hull Jazz Bar and Shrewsbury Buttermarket, I can tell a different story. Ok, so the sexual content of many of their songs is anything but innuendo, but the bass and lead guitar riffs (courtesy of George, Will, and Davro) in “Food Chain” for example, give a far weightier tone to what could otherwise be pure frivolity. Lead singer Sam Riley’s horny gyrations, coupled with expressions like, “You’re a good fuck, Will!” are balanced by the other musicians’ obvious talent and enjoyment in their music. Will hardly bats an eyelid whilst Sam humps his leg (like a hamster on heat) simply continuing to play in his Mr. Smooth style. What other band features bongos and a guiro, alongside sex, booze, and rock ‘n’ roll?

Sandwiched between Murdoch and Dogs, 10,000 Things certainly make a very tasty filling, and although the Shrewsbury audience were virgins to the Things Experience, their cherries were soon popped by Sam and co’s “bring-it-on” performance. George Riley’s bass riff in “Eating’s Not Cheating” was ample competition for brother Sam’s salacious chat-up lines to the female members of the audience. This could only be bettered by Gareth “Davro” Davies’ sparkly “Titanium” underpants, a present from yours-truly, adourning one of his best features to full effect!

The wrist action of Justin “Action” Jackson is probably best demonstrated in the chorus of “Oh No!”, and what could be the theme of this song? Yeah, you guessed it, Sam playing away from home again - but this time he gets caught! Alistair “Stobb” Stobbard brings in percussion in a fashion more traditionally associated with the sleazy rock of today, and although no covers were played at Shrewsbury, Stobb showed off his matchless ability in their spine tingling rendition of Gang of Four’s - “Damaged Goods”, as part of the set at Hull Jazz Bar.

So what of that sensitive side? Well, okay they are hot and horny, but my Mum loves them too, so they can’t be all bad! She says they’re their own best PR and I’m inclined to agree…

Caroline Murphy.

Tis the night before Halloween, and a crowded Key is full of spectactularly-costumed pirates - as well as those too unadventurous to manage any more than a striped t-shirt with which to prove their nautical villainy. But why worry about that when the Queens of Noize are putting on such an impressive line-up of new bands? Neil’s Children, The Cribs, Babyshambles (and yes, Doherty actually turns up for once!) and, of course, 10,000 Things.

It’s still hard to understand why 10,000 Things have not yet taken over the world. Perhaps it takes a few listens for the rock ‘n’ roll genius of such songs as “Dogsbody” and “Can’t Do Nothing” to shine through the chaotic atmosphere of their live set. Kitted out in those obligatory striped tops and headscarves, the band plough cheerfully through a fairly short set, singer Sam Riley (resplendent in white sailor hat) strutting his stuff like a young Mick Jagger on speed.

“Oh No!” from the band’s “Foodchain EP” on Domino makes a welcome appearance, since it seems to be becoming a rarity in the band’s set, with the infidelity theme further added to by “Eating’s Not Cheating”, by now a staple of the band’s set. Finally, Gary and Ryan from The Cribs are welcomed onstage for a deliciously shambolic run through Gang Of Four’s “Damaged Goods”.

I could write about the other bands of the night. I could mention that (with some annoyance) I had The Cribs’ “When The Lights Go Out” stuck in my head for a full two days afterwards. I could tell you that Neil’s Children finally managed to impress with a set that seemed tighter and more varied than any I’ve witnessed before. I could tell you that the over-priced booze seemed more interesting than watching Babyshambles. But, after 10,000 Things, nothing else really seems worth writing about!

A festival can be a strange environment for the up-and-coming band. Sure, the crowd you get is guaranteed to be bigger than you’d ever manage to cram into the Dublin Castle, but how many of them can be persuaded to actually stand up and take at least a little notice of your set, rather than nursing the hangovers from the previous night in the fourth or fifth pint of the morning? The answer, in 10,000 Things case, is quite a surprising number. As they burst onto the stage, straight into “Oh No!” (which they’ll probably never dare to omit live again), the Carling tent looks fairly sparsely populated, but a few songs in and the place is crammed!

“Carrying on the same theme,” Sam tells us, the follow song is “Titanium Boxer Shorts” – “This one’s about not being able to keep your dick in your trousers. Yeah, they’re all about sex!” But then, aren’t all the best songs? 10,000 Things are riotous, anarchic and utterly filthy – and those are, sincerely, three of the best qualities a band could have! What’s more, far from being fazed by the festival audience, the band seem to be having the time of their lives onstage – all smiles and cheerful banter. “Eating’s not cheating.” Sam proclaims, introducing the song of the same name. “Yeah it is!” His brother, George, pipes up. “Is sucking fucking?” Sam wonders. “Yeah!” George insists. Not that anyone cares much, with a song that’s this much of an instant classic (at the recent YSOS club night, we receive good-natured complaints for not playing it – and this despite the fact the album hasn’t even been released yet!).

Maybe 10,000 Things are used to playing to a big crowd this late in the festival season – following spots at Leeds Unity Day, as openers for the V Festival (having most deservedly won their place competition-style), and at Leeds early on the Friday morning, following which they hurried straight down to Reading. Considering how few bands they appear to have seen, the usual festival haze may well have added to their sense of excitement. In fact, the only band Sam seems to remember seeing when we ask him is the New York Dolls. Somehow we refrain from making a “New Yorkshire Dolls” comment. The joke is probably over by now…

Dogs Die In Hot Cars play soon afterwards on the second stage – not long after The Rasmus get pelted off the main stage after just one song. Looking at photos of the carnage afterwards, we almost wish we’d witnessed the event… Still, Dogs Die are no doubt more entertaining. There’s a nice dance sound to the fairly traditional rock the band produce, which is strangely comforting and exciting at the same time. Starting with “Godhopping”, they get a great reception, festival handclaps along to “I Love You ‘Cause I Have To”, and a huge cheer for “Celebrity Sanctum”. Well, it does mention Angelina Jolie…

The only band 10,000 Things seem determined to catch on Sunday, meanwhile, is good mates The Cribs (several of whom have already returned the favour by cheerfully singing along to the Things’ set). After a few pints in the guest area, everyone trundles across for a brief showcase of the catchiest songs known to man. Yes, The Cribs still aren’t necessarily much more than Britpop with a dash of Beach Boys, but there’s no denying that “The Lights Went Out” is as ridiculously catchy as the brothers themselves are ridiculously pretty. What’s more, their version of The Shirelles’ “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” is actually surprisingly moving.

Straight after The Cribs leave the stage, both themselves and 10,000 Things are back to drinking, mingled with a spot of DJ-ing, in the Orange VIP tent. Taking it in turns to play Justin’s bongos, much to Davro’s embarrassment, Sam gets approached by Supergrass’s Danny Goffey, while the Queens of Noize wander in and out, preparing for their own DJ slot later. We manage to briefly nip out and catch a little foliage-waving for British Sea Power, followed by a surprisingly spirited final few songs of Radio 4’s set – an “Eyes Wide Open” and “Dance To The Underground” which happily dispel any memories of the recent Islington Academy show.

But it’s 10,000 Things day, and everything else seems mildly disappointing after the raucous set at 12:25 in the afternoon. But that’s nothing a beer or two won’t solve…

Riding on the Freddy Mercury coat-tails of The Darkness come The Dirty. How fun! Only this time the jokes on pre-rehab Aerosmith, with Steve Tyler-a-like singer pulling Mick Jagger wiggles as he squeals his way through what sounds like cover after cover, accompanied by Jon Bon Jovi in a Guns ‘n’ Roses t-shirt on guitar. But surely the joke wasn’t even funny the first time…?

The last London gig 10,000 Things played was plagued by the dodgy sound of that squalid den of filth that is Camden’s beloved Barfly, making it what, for them, was a lacklustre set. Tonight there are no such problems. The venue is tiny, packed and roastingly hot (as all good venues should be), leading singer Sam Riley to worry that “there’s not a lot of room here – I’m gonna get twatted!” (although, in the event, it’s an over-eager guitarist who is more in danger of physical injury when he makes an ill-advised leap into the crowd complete with guitar).

First song, “Can’t Do Nothing” (rumoured to be the band’s next single in September) instantly rouses the crowd from the mundanity of The Dirty’s set, with a plaintive wail about periodic lack of money that surely everyone here can understand – “Can’t do nothing till next week!” This is followed up smoothly by “Lover Boy”, in a set full of songs as rapid and fast-paced as all tracks should be, never to out-stay their welcome! Thankfully, “Oh No!” (“We were going to call it “Oh Fuck, What The Fuck Have I Done Now??”) the gem of the band’s already impressive collection, makes the appearance it so miserably failed to make at the Barfly, making it almost impossible to remain still. When (not if!) 10,000 Things make it big, this will be their “What A Waster”!

Riley is cheerful and talkative as usual, a perfect performer based somewhere between charm and brash honesty. He answers a (male) heckler with grace (“Why, thank you, darling!”), but it is, as usual, “Eating’s Not Cheating” that gets the most description. Directing his comments at a hapless female audience member, he insists, “It’s like sucking’s not fucking – if I was going out with you and you gave my brother a blow job, I wouldn’t complain!” The world to 10,000 Things is a relatively simple place. Simple, but ultimately rock ‘n’ roll.

The most important thing you need to know about 10,000 Things is that they are fun - something which seems to be sneaking back into the music world in increasing quantities, from the unfortunate (The Darkness) to the great (Scissor Sisters, Junior Senior). Tonight, singer Sam Riley takes to the stage in what appears to be a Libertines costume – black jacket and tie with no shirt, and braces hanging down the back of his trousers, and instantly starts babbling in his usual style.

Riley exudes sheer entertainment. Gone are the days when bands stood onstage staring miserably at the floor, playing their songs so perfectly that you might just as well be sitting at home listening to the album. Every song tonight has a story behind it – generally somewhat filthy, invariably amusing: such as when he asks the crowd, when introducing “Eating’s Not Cheating”, whether “if you go down on a girl, is it still cheating?” A confused silence is interrupted by, “Are you just thinking about it??”

But it isn’t as if 10,000 Things’ songs are over-shadowed by the story-telling. “Oh No!”, the standout track from their recent “Foodchain” EP is impossibly catchy, and looks set to become a firm moshpit favourite – when the Things aren’t supporting the soft, dreamy tunes of Joy Zipper, of course. Which, even after an enthusiastic reception to their set, seems rather an odd choice. But then, they probably just don’t care.

Going to see bands that you have never heard before is a worrying business. It’s very rare that you enjoy every track and are glad to have made the effort! 10,000 Things at the Barfly was one of those rare moments.

Singer Sam Riley takes to the stage snazzily dressed like a Ska Pete Doherty (only less sweaty and not a sliver of gaffer tape in sight) and starts off by telling us a funny story about the police from his hometown of Leeds (it’s hilarious but I’ll tell you it another time). This leads into first song ‘You’re Nicked’, which is also apparently about not being able to pay the rent. Oh we’ve all been there! The stage is pretty crowded as the band are a 6 piece, but this adds to the energy although it seems at times that Sam is sucking it out of the rest of the band and using it all himself, dancing around like he’s got an ant up his arse!

Their music is a mixture of fast & furious rock & roll with a touch of blues and a little filth & anarchy thrown in. ‘Oh No’ is a cheeky catchy number, and Sam’s vocals are superb. As front men go he’s definitely got it and between songs he continues to make us giggle with his humour. I guess if the band don’t get anywhere, at least the singer has a back up career as a wannabe Leeds stand-up comedian! “We’re going to do something sleazy now,” he claims while stripping off his jacket to reveal a cool stripy shirt and massive white braces. Woof! He then launches into their latest EP release ‘Food Chain’. He’s right it’s very sleazy and quite sexy, although it’s hard to be turned on by a song about a supermarkets & food…

By the end of the set Sam is jogging on the spot & running round in circles across the stage and through the crowd. Bags of enthusiasm, bags of stonking beats and riffs, I’m surprised at how much fun the band were and almost sad it’s over. Go and see them. I’ll definitely see you there….

Set List: You’re Nicked/Can’t Do Nothin/Oh No/Dogs Body/Mummy’s Big Plan/Lover Boy/Food Chain/Eatings Not Cheatin/Back To Mine

The Blueskins take to the stage with an almost overly northern “Are you ready for a fookin’ good night?” This is the only clue that betrays their roots though, because tonight they’re doing a rather good impression of a 1970’s American rock band and although at first listen, the songs seem to have blended into one another, there are welcome variations towards the end of the set. Their pounding hollow bass lines create the sound of a poppier Kings Of Leon so it’s almost a disappointment to be faced with a bunch of scrawny lads rather than Jason Lee in Almost Famous…

10,000 Things on the other hand, are a spectacle to behold. Billed as the new Oasis by people who need to realise that the ‘c’ word does not a Liam Gallagher make, their singer dressed in his leather ‘spiv’ hat and a jacket that appears to be made from flock wallpaper, looks more like Dick Valentine’s little brother than Madchester’s most famous son. Presenting a stage persona somewhere between Kid Rock and Suggs, and dancing a little like Forrest Gump, he eclipses the rest of the band who look like they just weren’t sent an invitation to this party.

10,000 Things sound great live, a dirtier, raunchier feel to their music than on CD, with vocals the Creedence Clearwater Revival would covet. This band deserve great things, if only for their singer’s live performances alone, and if The Darkness can do it whilst wearing lycra, then who’s to say flock wallpaper is wrong?

The Cribs, with their skinny t-shirts and 60’s moptops are a strange headliner to the evening after the spectacle of the previous band, but that’s a rotating bill for you. Save for the drummer in a sequined shirt and glittery vest top, The Cribs could be any British pop band of the last 10 years. They’re accomplished enough in their harmonies and with their jangly guitars, and the main vocal parts are volleyed around with the greatest of ease but, like The Blueskins, they just don’t shine against the sexy sounds of 10,000 Things.

Holly.

Here’s one way to avoid gatecrashers - have an album launch in the middle of nowhere. Hidden among a jumble of warehouses by King’s Cross, on a road not even in the A-Z, Key is one such venue. Still, all this adds to the atmosphere of something somehow special that has already been created by the tickets for the event - half an old 7 inch (mine is Jive Bunny & the Mastermixers - classy!) with a small sticker announcing the details. It’s nice to see that some thought has actually gone into the evening!

Still, it’s a shame that most of the people here seem to just be here for the party, and have no real interest in the band (”Razorlight? I didn’t really see much of them…” A particularly hairy rock band admit later without much interest). Admittedly, the area in front of the stage is only tiny, and packed solid when Razorlight appear, but there are windows through to the rest of the venue and, by the end of the set, Johnny Borrell is fuming through them at the disinterested throng, demanding they watch the band. Maybe it’s this anger - the set certainly seems fast-paced and furious - that makes the show possibly one of the best Razorlight gigs I’ve seen. Sweat seems to literally pour from the rafters as the band crash their way through most of the tracks from their debut album. The “Come back to me” refrain in “Dalston” is almost vicious, making it easily one of the best songs of the night, and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Lies” seems somewhat apt for the evening. “Golden Touch” is as pop-tinged and melodic as ever and, by the end of the set, when the band wish happy birthday to new drummer, Andy Burrows, it’s easy to believe Johnny Borrell’s claims about his band. They really are one of the best bands around!

Maybe it’s because I’ve been meaning to see Neil’s Children for so long and not got around to it that’d I’d built up this idea that I actually might really like them. It takes me about five minutes to change this opinion. Current single, “I Hate Models”, is a spiky feedback-filled punk blast, which sounds pretty good in theory but in practise is just… well, noisy! Judgiing by the violence of their sound, Neil’s Children have a lot of Sex Pistols-esque anger, however it doesn’t really seem to have any direction to it, reminding me of the so-called political bands of the ’90s, Voodoo Queens, Huggy Bear et al, who couldn’t find anything more meaningful to rant about than, you’ve guessed it, models! Still, at least Neil’s Children have energy, which is something so many other drab London rock bands lack, and if they can focus their anger they may one day become something truly special. Then again, they may not.

Razorlight, meanwhile, are already fairly special. They’ve climbed rapidly in the past year or so from the tiny stages of the Dublin Castle and the Barfly to this, a not entirely pleasant medium-sized venue which, nonetheless, Razorlight are able to fill with an ease which suggests their rapid rise to fame has by no means halted yet. And their debut album isn’t even out yet!

Starting with second single, “Rip It Up”, the crowd are ecstatic the minute the band hit the stage, and singer Johnny Borrell doesn’t let their excitement waver for an instant, leaping about the stage and leading clap-alongs by the dozen. Bassist Carl Dalemo jumps about like Legolas on speed through “Up All Night”, and further singles “Rock ‘n’ Roll Lies” and most recent, “Golden Touch”, which is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the night. Live favourites, “To The Sea” and “In The City” close a triumphant set, the latter speeding to a tumultous close, with an amount of energy from the band that seems well nigh impossible this late in the evening. The encore includes last single, “Stumble And Fall”, during which sales of the band’s t-shirts seem to be going well. It looks like Razorlight have won a whole load of newly devoted fans.