thE UNDERTONES - The Townsman - Derry - Northern Ireland

Some things spell almost certain disaster. Though loved by reviewers in the band's lifetime - critics soon turned to cynics when the Undertones announced they were reforming after 16 years with a new lead singer. How about just changing your name to the Overblowns - lads? Not necessary it seems. S Several select and highly lauded appearances down the road - Derry's finest found themselves playing this charity gig to help save Derry City FC from financial ruin. Bedecked in football jerseys - the O'Neill brothers - in particular - looked extremely young for men reaching fortysomethinghood. Equally youthful for their age were the band's three minute punk-pop offerings - the songs sounded both tight and timeless. Though new front man Paul McLoon's natural singing voice is Feargal Sharkey-esque without utilising mimicry - his very mobile - wide-eyed and wild-haired stage presence was uniquely his own. Yes - the band had a home turf advantage - but it was amazing to see a moshing crowd of mostly 30 somethings get their "Teenage Kicks" once again - If the band's credibility remained intact after the gig - the venue's drinking vessels were less so as the floor was littered everywhere with shards of broken glass. Some disasters should be avoided - book the band again - but next time use plastic cups.