NME AWARDS SHOW @ HAMMERSMITH PALAIS

As the NME Awards juggernaut slams on the brakes and comes to rest at this the last Awards show, here at the Hammersmith Palais, this mighty vehicle has covered hundreds upon hundreds of miles. Visiting numerous cities across the United Kingdom, bring chaos and mayhem to everyone who is brave enough to stand in its way.

Here at the Hammersmith Palais,Nine Black Alps, who were the headlining act, brought proceedings to an almighty, explosive finale! Any NBA gig is guaranteed to be an wholly awesome affair, the added sweetener to this gig is the cherry upon NME's incredible tasty awards tour cake! The last piece is consumed by all and everyone agrees that they have been well and truly feed, fit to bursting you may say!

NBA produced a dazzling, adrenaline charged, emotionally driven performance. This is the third time I've seen them and as before, I (and everyone other gig goer) was totally blown away! From the opening number Get Your Guns it was a no hold bar grapple, the venue shock with a force so colossal you were ultimately humbled yet filled with emotion so strong that it was impossible to NOT to go mad at every opportunity. NBA are the closet musical act which resembles a grunge type band that has emerged from this country in the last few years. There attitude and professionalism is their trump card, bringing energy, commitment, passion and desire to each and every song. Lead Singer Sam Forrest, jumps about the stage, whilst playing the guitar, like a fuel injected F1 racing car, speeding round Silverstone at break neck speeds. Backed up by Dave Jones, Martin Cohen and James Galley this grunge-esqe band are a cut above the rest. Their whole sound is full on!

Their set covered most of the songs from debut album Everything Is (Not Everyone, Unsatisfied, Headlights, Ironside, Shot Down, Just Friends, Everybody Is, Intermission and my personal favorite Cosmopolitan). Simply mind blowing these guys. They are the real deal! A number of new tracks were aired and by the sound of things the second album, which I hope is not to far off from being released, sounds mental!!!! I await with baited breath for this next installation from the band.

The support on this last leg of the tour came from Wolfmother and The Longcut. Sadly news had come through and was announced on a sign in the venue that Test Icicles (who were due to play) had split and were not showing tonight! Damn Damn Damn I was really looking forward to seeing them live. I've got their album and have played it to death! This was a real dent to the evening.

The Longcut are a band who I first heard of way back in early 2005. They played a lively set, which was well received by the crowd. As this was the first time that I'd seen them live, I was intrigued to see their set up, the lead singer played what looked like a small synth at the front of the stage and from time to time, would rush back to the back of the stage to play the drums. Clever! Multi-talented like it! Though this must at time prove to be a challenging affair. But he pulled it off to great effect.

Unfortunately due to my late arrival at the Palais I missed Wolfmother's set! Arse! Some other time then guys! Should have bought a t-shirt to say sorry but didn't, I bought a Nine Black Alps one instead! Hehehe!!!

Nine Black Alps rule the airwaves tonight and rightfully so. They are without doubt the most deeply brash and scuzzy driven lot I've ever seen. The path with which they follow is a mental one, their musical muscles are rippling with pride and they sure can throw a punch or two (which are deadly accurate and can land a devastating blow!) This NME bash was ace, I totally enjoyed it. NME is the holy bible of musical information and I will continue to read and learn from it's deep and detail pages. The beating heart of the new music scene, which I have learnt and understood so much. I can't wait to see what the rest of the year has to offer!