White Horse, High Wycombe - Friday 30th November 2001

We'll brush over the two local bands opening tonight's bill as they were completely forgetable (I can't remember their names or what they sounded like, except they weren't good - but one of the drummer's had a Plan A t-shirt on so we can vaguely forgive him a little).

No Direction are a straight ahead no frills rock and roll band that Scandinavia has been excelling at recently. I've, quite frankly, seen the Finns play a lot better but the likes of 'Skip Tomorrow' and 'Dead Generation' are still rip-roaring little numbers that speak of a bright future.

The last time I saw The Jellys headline was here getting on for 18 months ago, and it's good to see CJ and the boys back, although High Wycombe seems to have not noticed that one of Britain's best rock bands are in town tonight. As criminally under-rated as ever, and fresh from the Silverginger5 shows, the Jellys burst into colour with 'Just A Love Song, 'Messed Up' and 'Lemonade Girl', but with more people from outside of town (you know the culprits I mean) than from in town to see the guys play, it's still a mite depressing.

The Jellys sound as good, if not better, than ever, with CJ treating the miniscule audience as old friends (unsurprisingly - considering most of the audience are, indeed, old friends). 'Doctored For Supersound' and 'Up To Me' sound superb (and yes, this is basically an extended version of the SG5 support set) but the best thing tonight is new song 'End Of The Line' which, considering the measly audience, had better not be prophetic because it is the best thing they've yet done.

Great to have the guys back - let's hope it's not a flash visit.

Joe Dimmer