ATHLETE

run into fine form on final tour show

After The Tubes in Brizzle on the Friday, if it's Saturday, it must be Athlete in Newport. A gigging weekend for me and thoroughly enjoyable it was too.

Athlete are a million miles away from what The Tubes are about, both musically and in live show performance, but both are brilliant at what they do.

For Athlete, it was the last night of their Autumn 2005 UK tour. and the end to a major year for the boys with Wires being their biggest hit and the difficult second album proving easy as the more melodic Tourist was a major success and took them to another level.

Last time I saw Athlete, it was a converted church hall at a private gig for 200 in Cardiff. This was in Newport Centre, a leisure centre where the main hall is converted for gigs. I think this was the first there for some time, it's not used as extensively as it used to be - possibly due to the emergence of larger venues in Cardiff. It wasn't sold out but it wasn't far away and, as usual, while unreserved, the front half of the venue was standing and the rear half was seated. It's a pity they use so many seats and it takes something from the gig.

As for the performance, once again, it was immense. Athlete seem to find it effortless to replicate huge album sounds into the live environment. The gig was nearly cancelled, Carey the bass player who normally jumps and sways everywhere, was both unwell and dislocated a shoulder that wouldn't go back in so was seated all night. Credit to him and the group for going ahead.

The 90 minute set covered all bar a couple of tracks from the two albums and a 'b' side for the new 24 Hours single. I love the quirkiness of Athlete, the way their songs always take an unexpected diversion. They are infectious, there's just something about them and their songs that make you feel happy and smile.

The set was very clever too. Petrol pumps providing lighting, a dazzling techie show including maps of Newport for Street Maps, a crowd cam on the final number and the lighting changing to suit the mood of every song.

How they're not as well, or better regarded, than Coldplay probably boils down to the group not being as photogenic or mixing at high profile events - good on them for that.

Not that they should be compared to anybody - love them in their own right and for what they are.

I'm sure they're one of those groups that, even if you don't get what they're about, once seen live, you soon find out and will appreciate them.