SSS, like Gallows, re-released their debut album in 2007 when they switched to a bigger label (although there's a distinct difference between Earache and Warners) and they also simiarly sound a bit tired. This set is nothing special (although the poor sound levels don't help) and they come and go without much of a bother.

It's not until Fucked Up that tonight really gets going. Although they've only made a couple new singles in 2007 (including the 20 minute epic 'Year of the Pig' which this tour is in support of) they are a band who always sound exciting and refreshing live. It only takes a moment to see how they clearly love to be on stage doing what they do as they kick off with 'Blaze of Glory'. The sound is great, they are tight and full of energy, the singer as normal surrounds himself within the crowd, and in Leeds in particular, the crowd's reception is awesome. They sound just as massive and energetic as they do on record, and tonight's highlight for sure is 1-2 punch "sing-a-long friendly" 'Crusades' and 'David Comes to Live' and by far steal the night before it's over.

Don't count out Set Your Goals though who, after admitting "how do you follow Fucked Up on stage?" hold their own very well. As a notoriosly hit or miss band, they do well tonight to be tight and fun and passionate (although they are helped a lot by a very supportive crowd). Their set is still very enjoyable and full of their best, most anthemic songs (standard fare though for this excellent pop-punk band) despite being possibly the most awkward shaped people of all time.

After that though, the night just loses all that hard earned energy. The trouble with Gallows tonight is how tired and old their set feels. They themselves are a band now comfortable with their current 'hype band' status after exploding last year. As a result, they are a far less exciting live band to watch, particuarly when performing after Fucked Up and Set Your Goals who have a lot more to play for and take full advantage of that.

What little there is to show for new material is either uninspiring or covers (including the god-awful 'Starin' at the rude Bois' but balanced out with the awesome 'Nervous Breakdown') which leaves little to be excited about when they release their new album at the end of the year. Tonight, they are simply outclassed (FU) or made to look old and sterile (SYG) and thus desparately need to get away from touring and get writing.

Adam Turner-Heffer