REVIEWS: A great Scene up close; CULTURE Ocean Colour Scene Hard Rock Cafe ****.

Byline: Jon Perks

It's when you see long standing bands live that you realise just why they've been such a success. Even if the hits have dried up somewhat, they're still a treat to watch in the flesh - in this case up close and personal at the Hard Rock Cafe on Broad Street.

It was a fitting venue for this charity gig in aid of Nordoff-Robbins music therapy - OCS (as their fans affectionately chanted) were the first band to play here when the venue opened in October 2001.

Since then they've lost a bassist but found two more than able replacements in Dan Sealey (bass) and Andy Bennett (guitar)-the former who's written Man In The Middle, one of the best tracks on the new album On The Leyline, and which justly got one of the best receptions of the night.

There was no encore - no doubt prompted by the technical problems which caused a five-minute mid-set hiatus - but even these hiccups couldn't mar a great night for both band and crowd. Even guitarist Steve Cradock, who often comes across a little too serious and contemplative on stage, was enjoying himself, all smiles and Pete Townshend style windmill arm flourishes.

The set itself was a great blend of new and old - the likes of Go To Sea, Man In The Middle and I Just Got Over You dovetailing nicely with the classics like The River Boat Song, The Circle and Profit In Peace. Simon Fowler's vocals sounded a good as ever - especially when accompanied by Dan Sealey's great harmonies.

On The Leyline (out April 30) is a real return to form, full of songs made to be played live.

It was a pity we didn't get to hear For Dancers Only (written by Paul Weller) or the vintage The Day We Caught The Train - both doubtless on the encore that never was. A reason to go see them in Gloucester on April 14 - if ever you needed one.

CAPTION(S):

Steve Craddock, Simon Fowler, Dan Sealey, Andy Bennett and Oscar Harrison on the drums (rear)