Sizzling Danish from top band

Mew

Wolverhampton Civic Halls

review by Andy Richardson

It comes as little comfort when bands are described as being 'big in Germany'. The sorbiquet 'big in Scandanavia' should, therefore, cause even less of a stir.

But that's precisely what Danish space rockers Mew are. They're the nation's foremost purveyors of alternative music; a genre-spanning, fiendishly-clever, rapturously-inventive collective of musicians who can't keep off the number spot across Scandanavia.

Last night, they launched their UK tour at Wolverhampton's Civic Halls and received a hero's welcome. Playing songs from their sublime and exceptional new album, Repeater Beater, their storming set brought warmth to a cold autumnal night.

Discerning followers of music have long viewed Scandanavia as a hot bed of creativity, with an expansive and innovative scene that continually pushes back the boundaries.

While bands like Abba and a-ha may be the names familiar among non-aficionados, it's Bjork, The Cardigans, Sigur Ros, Teitur, Dark Tranquillity, Jim Stark and, of course, Mew, who have remained at the cutting edge.

Last night Mew were thrilling. Their stadium-sized sound was often beautiful and always spectacular, sounding like a cross between Flaming Lips, The Cardiacs and Nirvana.

With inspirational audio visuals and animations forming a suitably engaging backdrop, they cemented their place in the affections of local music fans.

Mew may not grab Abba-esque headlines any time soon. But that's missing the point. Their cult status, reputation for tastemaking and live pyrotechnics set them apart from the crowd.

Far from being a put down, 'big in Scandanvia' is, in fact, the ultimate compliment.