The Barfly was surprisingly busy with a good atmosphere for a Monday night. The stage is taken by four individuals confident both in image and talent. The excellent frontman is heavily channeling Alice Cooper and Nick Cave with a voice and swagger reminiscent of the latter but not too blatantly so.

Release The Bats storm though a set of fully charged, possessed and well rehearsed rock 'n' roll, enhanced by the Barfly's excellent sound. It is self-evident that their influences include the aforementioned, plus Mighty Boosh chums The Horrors, with perhaps a smattering of Bauhaus all moulded into a sound of their own.

During the short set a naked girl appears and dances on stage with the band, for one song - a somewhat gratuitous act of nudity that didn't really add anything to the performance or have any shock value. This band doesn't need gimmicks as their energy is infectious and the audience is receptive, getting more involved as the gig goes on. As they disappear from the stage at the end of the set the crowd are left wanting more.

For someone who has never taken much of an interest in "deathrock" these guys have made me take a second look at the genre. I will definitely make an effort to see them again; it is always good to take a peek outside of the goth scene and to see if any related genres are providing any goodies.

Check out their slightly unnerving video to Make You My Baby

Website: http://myspace.com/releasethebatts