The record before Phoenix take stage in Brighton is 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll' by Kiss. Damian Harris (owner of Skint Records ) AKA Midfield General is at the bar enthusing over the support band, Turin Breaks, a poor man's Radiohead with better dress sense.
Thomas Mars, the Parisian singer of Phoenix, leaps on the distortion mic like a young Bobby Gillespie. Standing on the monitors with his shirt tucked in, he's going for party time.
By the second track, 'Too Young', the Bryan Ferry suave is kicking in. Luna meets Bluetones with a French bread and red wind rider.
Self- indulgence is saved by the keyboard player and the guitar solos on 'School's Rules'. Thomas' shirt begins to become un-tucked as he rocks out on top of the PA. They're a stylish band, kind of like bourgeois 21st century Eagles.
They've got soul, epic Air encores and cover 'Forever In My Life' by Prince and 'Surrender' by Cheap Trick. Respect. 'If I ever Feel Better' had us singing all the way back up the motorway to the grime of London.
Beautiful.
