Tunng, Eugene McGuinness at the Plug, Sheffield, 13th October

After Devendra Banhart's recent flux of product endorsement, any band remotely similar brings a sour taste to the mouth. Spending their time trying to be kooky and unusual, they forget a burst of something fresh speaks volumes more than an overgrown beard.

Tunng, complete with beards also have a whole variety of distractions onstage. From rain sticks to recorded bird noises they'll do anything to stop you actually listening to their music. There is a substantial crowd tonight, explained by guitarist Phil's Matlock upbringing, but the band fail to stir any glow inside. Eugene McGuinness, barely out of his teens opened the show, yet his raw passion and wholesome melodies could have entertained all night. As he launches into another smooth track he's a pleasure to watch, whereas ten minutes into Tunng's set you begin to feel yourself yearning for something more.

The band are all too friendly, and lack any real spirit. Maybe it's the surroundings of the club, but they're cold, something which can't change with wholesome tales of drinking tea and young love. The songs all sound similar without any development or change, and although they're pleasant they never stray further a field. It's not until 'Its Because....We've Got Hair', as the band ask for a little audience participation that the mood swings and the group come out of their shell. Unfortunately however, this only leaves time for a final track leaving the audience relaxed but underwhelmed.