Thursday 30/11/06 The Bluetones @ Shepherds Bush Empire, London

Very few things get better with age. OK, a fine wine or single malt may mature, just as a tasty cheese will grow in flavour with time, but it’s such a pity that the same principle cannot be applied to indie bands. The vast majority simply grow old, look decrepit and become ‘past it’. And nobody loves an indie band when they’re down and out – everyone only loves them when they’re on cloud nine.

But one of the rare exceptions to the rule must be The Bluetones. Having recently released their self-titled fifth album, the indie stalwarts took to the Shepherds Bush Empire stage and appeared as fresh as the day they were formed – which is surprisingly now over ten years ago. It seems like only yesterday this loveable four-piece burst on to the scene with their infectious indie classic, “Slight Return”.

Treating the fervent ‘blue army’ crowd to a selection of squeaky-clean hits from their back catalogue, The Bluetones may not be taking as many forays in to the Top 40 as they used to, but that doesn’t seem to bother the Hounslow boys, who clearly cherish – and revel in – their loyal support.

Whether it be debut album classics such as ‘The Fountainhead’ or 'Carnt Be Trusted', more modern tunes like 'Never Going Nowhere' or even their recent single, 'My Neighbour’s House', they belted out each tune with infallible ease while their foppish frontman, Mark Morriss, showed off his new keyboard skills with a little charm and a lot of style. And who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

Having followed their fortunes since the heady days of 1996, The Bluetones are always a sell-out and never a let-down. Each one of their gigs is a trip down memory lane and a celebration of their current guise rolled in one – how refreshing longevity can be. With another two albums in the pipeline from their new record deal and a growing fan base of indie kids and elder statesman of the britpop era, be sure to catch The Bluetones the next time they play in these neck of the woods. A brilliant homecoming gig from the indie pop perennials.