The wonky papermache rabbit mask playfully bobs up and down. Its owner is not a pre-school child but in fact is being worn by the bassist of British Sea Power, one of the most promising young bands in Britain. Frequently cited as art rock band, this claim seems to have done them no harm in gaining the attention of the cultural radars that are otherwise known as style magazines. However, whereas the soon to be massive Fischerspooner base their whole career on such a concept, one feels that in the long run the oh-so-hip electroclash duo will flounder in light of their music not being able to live up to their superb visuals and ridiculous hyperbole. On the other hand, British Sea Power’s  half jokey half serious pretension will pale in significance to their stunning music.

   No doubt British Sea Power are strange but Club Sea Power events are even stranger. Taking place monthly in Brighton, they serve as a healthy alternative to the dance-like a-loon clubs on the seafront.  Each event is carefully planned by British Sea Power, taking care of everything including picking DJs, decorating the stage and giving vital support slots to promising or overlooked talent. This evening’s warm up act are the Fairy Traders, a pleasant enough all female alt. rock country group. However, one feels this choice to be a little too conservative when compared to other supports of late. Last month a table and some cans of lager were hoisted up onto the stage in order for Earl Brutus to take part in their own version of desert island discs. What pursued was much inaudible shouting over some old Ramones records. It certainly served as a refreshing change from hearing Nevermind or Is This It in their entirety in anticipation of the headline act to follow.

    Seeing British Sea Power live can to be described as a performance in the truest sense. Rather than just staring at the floor moodily the four military attired heroes squat jump to the drum beat and outstare members of the crowd. The set closer, Lately would not seem out of place if played over the end credits of an action film. The song, both poignant and epic builds up from a simple guitar riff and eventually climaxes with the whole band going at it full pelt and destructing the various trees and assorted plastic animals gracing the stage.

   It is fair to say that Club Sea Power was originally started (approximately 18 months ago) to get British Sea Power noticed from the hundreds of other hopeful bands vying for attention in Brighton. However, when you get written about in Vogue and support Pulp you don’t need a leg up in the form of your own club night to get noticed. Hence, Club Sea Power will be no more from June subsequent to the final performance at the Freebutt on the 17^th May. Salute our heroes, they have done us proud. It is now time for a new Brighton band to get us salivating. Applications to the usual address…