thE UNDERTONES Lyceum

'thEY ARE the best band since the Beatles'. A passing comment and a popular point of view. So why? Why what? Why death? Why coffins and graves for such a much-loved island?

That's the point - much loved in small intense areas but also much misunderstood by marketing departments. The Undertones remained underestimated - under-exposed and under-achieving throughout their entire storm-ridden existence. They have lasted eight years but this ending is still sticky and premature for a brilliant band who had so much to give.

So why? Why couldn't they find the right promoter's pocket - the right producer - the right enthusiastic backing?

Circumstances lined up against them - fate hated them - talent wasn't enough. Sire (their first record label) shat on them - then EMI sat on the fence. They babysat a popular band who didn't have the right image to flog. The Undertones are no KajaGooGoo.

So - this is almost the last gig in Britain. The Lyceum is going to experience almost the last stand and almost the last stampede. Fearless Feargal announces the split. The crowd recoil in horror and astonishment.

The place is packed - the feelings are passionate and the mass animation is absolute. The fans are hungry. And these are fans - fanatical hardcore Feargal- loving fans whose only disappointment tonight is that their hero keeps his vest on! The traditional shirt strip is never completed!

Back to the fundamentals. the Undertones' demise is only made more poignant by their superb performance. They attack their songs with all the untainted vigour and vitality of a band on the horizon of a .fresh career. Their approach retains all the innocence and impudence of naive teenagers yet they combine this attitude with musical sophistication. The Undertones illustrate perfectly that pop can sparkle and snap without reverting to pointless pap.

Like an overgrown emaciated leprauchaun - Feargal makes his way through a forest of new and old material. From 'When Sat Comes' to 'Love Parade' - from 'The Untouchables' to 'Love Before Romance' the cheering never ceases - the sweating never stops. 'Teenage Kicks' becomes the classic climax. As he sings "I need excitement and I need it bad" - we are only conscious of the excitement thaf the band emanate

Three encores later - the feet are still stomping. The guts are full but eager for excess. The Undertones' adrenalin dynamo refuses to go slow; it cuts out completely. Forget the sentimentality - admire the courage!

ROSE ROUSE