Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, Curiosity, Mr Kyps, Poole

THE headliners at this Curiosity night are a geek at a computer and a sharp-tongued, bearded MC who combine to create some danceable tunes with attention grabbing rhymes.

Their music is at the forefront of hip-hop lap-top indie and pushes the boundaries between styles to create something truly unique.

The stage looks like something from a Miss Marple set. A leather sofa, a grandfather clock, a desk, a television, a periodic table and a hat stand adorned with 1940s ladies' attire. Parts of the set come in to use later as part of the show.

Lap-tops are becoming ever more prominent instruments in contemporary acts. Occasionally they are style over substance but opening track Beat That My Heart Skipped is an early indication that Dan Le Sac has it in the bag.

The tracks flitter between a fun upbeat pace and dark sinister numbers that purposely raise and lower emotions. There are times that Dan Le Sac sits out as Scroobius Pip unleashes a relentless monologue of thoughts to the crowded room.

One such number included a fantastical conversation between world leaders that is both witty and thought provoking. It can best be described as highly entertaining performance poetry to beguiling beats.

Three and a half minutes that preaches the rules of music is Thou Shalt Always Kill, their most recognisable, radio-played track. The encore Letter From God To Man even includes a sample of Radiohead's Planet Telex.

Tom Blay