Off the bus and the adrenalin is rising.

The couple of warmer-uppers you had in town are starting to take effect. Across the road and down Meadow Lane, underneath the floodlights . Fusing the two essential elements of escape. Football and music. And it's the latter that's getting your attention tonight. Plus style of course. And there's plenty of that as you walk into the venue. Pay your entry fee and you're across to the bar and grabbing another jar of the amber nectar. Mingle a little, chat with the beautiful people.

the suited and booted

Be inspired as the suited and booted take to the floor and strut their stuff like they're in the Scene in 64. And then it's the moment. St George flag behind them, the four members of the Maximum Rhythm and Power combo who go by the name of Grasp take to the stage. “Breaking Down The Walls” is a full on tune par excellence on record and the live version holds no prisoners. Gary Weeks' Rickenbacker blasts and Andy Taylor‘s raunchy, soulful vocals echo round the auditorium. Spencer Taylor's bass and Mark Hines' drums provide a solid and flamboyant rhythm section. Its what the crowd have been waiting for and the reception at its conclusion confirms their approval. Then its “Summertime”. It blew you away when you first heard it and tonight it comes up to expectations. One of your songs of the year. The band run through their set, looking every bit the sharp soul stylists. There are some excellent covers. The Jam's “To Be Someone”, The Kinks' “All Day And All Of The Night”, The Who's “The Seeker“ among others, along with the impressive selection of originals.

Rickenbackers are buzzing in your ears

“Get It On” is delivered with passion and energy. And the conclusion of “Time To Go” has a power that you see live much too rarely. And that's your lot. Back to the bar and grab a Becks and smile to yourself. Chat some more and then you're off, back under the floodlights. The Rickenbackers are buzzing in your ears. Your heart's alive at the sound and spirit of optimism you've just experienced. The tunes. The attitude. The inspiration to liven up this modernist Christmas of 2006. You know without a shadow of a doubt that this is your scene, the one you were born to be a part of. Bring on the next time. Rob Massey