TSU are hardly prolific in their recording of new material. Despite releasing their first single in 2005, the Yorkshire based outfit still only have two albums to their name. With a third attempt planned for release in early 2014, a showcase of some new material combined with old favourites from debut ‘Raise The Alarm’ was delivered in this small basement venue just off Old Street.

TSU wasted no time launching straight into their high energy combination of indie and dance. Things really get going when the crowd get wind of the instantly recognisable and bouncy melody of recent single, ‘It Is Only You’. The set highlight came midway through in the form of ‘Borders’ from their debut album. The first half was stripped down entirely, prompting frontman Craig Wellington and his devoted crowd to howl in unison (‘please stop talking, because I don’t think we agreeee…….’). The mass sing-along eventually gave way to a wall of electric noise, and the traditional combination of beer and sweat.

‘Put You In Your Place’ sounded as fresh and exciting as it did upon release eight years ago and brought the main set to a rapturous close. After a few minutes, the band returned for a short encore. The lyrics to the melodic ‘Somebody’s Always Getting In The Way’ were once again chanted back word for word, before ‘I Ain’t Getting Any Sleep’ gave the crowd four minutes to rid themselves of any energy they still had left.

It’s difficult to understand how TSU have not achieved more widespread acclaim. They’ve amassed a catalogue of great tunes the envy of many more successful – yet particularly average – guitar bands who managed to ply their trade in the mid-noughties. On tonight’s evidence, the forthcoming album promises to add to that collection.

TSU have always known how to start a party and more than delivered again this evening. Their brand of guitar music has a distinctively dancey vibe, and the new material sees them take this further still (hardly a surprise from a band named after a Chemical Brothers tune). With their pounding bass lines and infectious dance hooks, it’s easy to imagine their sound filling much larger venues than this. Based on tonight’s performance, it won’t be surprising if they are by this time next year.

Setlist:

Start

Wake Up

It is Only You

In Your Arms

Finally We Arrive

Turn It On

Borders

Don’t Stop

The Same Old Ghosts

Put You In Your Place

 

Somebody’s Always Getting In The Way

I Ain’t Getting Any Sleep