let's wrestle + artefacts for space travel

But before we schmooze on over to their table, let’s investigate the support act – and a similarly fascinating band from the Stolen Recordings Record label - ARTEFACTS FOR SPACE TRAVEL.

Like the Pixies after a high dose of morphine, the group are unpredictable, savage, demented… but ultimately great communicators. Their songs aren't simply jams: they're glimpses into a dark future, with heartbreaking melodies and all.

The formula is impressive: ‘Spider’ sounds like a sinister Velvet Underground tune, yet the group are far from derivative. Things come alive every time Joe Walsh unleashes his adolescent wail. It's endearing and lonely, touched with a sense of the genuine.

And so to LET’S WRESTLE. The eternally teenage critters kick off the night with the premier of their kung fu movie 'Death Of the Blue Ninja'. In a nutshell the story goes like this: Teacher Ninja dies. Pupil Ninja is pissed off! Much camp fighting ensures, starring Let's Wrestle.

It's a riotous piss take, and curiously enough the band find it hard to follow. 'Tanks' feels awkward and directionless, while 'Music Is My Girlfriend' sounds uncannily like a loud, garish demo.

Yet believe it or not, this is all part of Let's Wrestle's appeal. They essentially perform drinking songs that celebrate a certain degree of crapness.

The audience is divided; half dance, while the other half scowl like appalled prefects. And while neither half is particuarly wrong, it's easy to see who's having the last laugh - as the stage invasion begins and the bass drum is harpooned on a mic stand.