THIS has shot into my top five gigs of all time, and I’ve been to plenty over nearly 40 years.

Students mingled happily with 50-somethings, brought together by their enthusiasm for this little-known Texan band whose music sounds so familiar... yet is so unique.

Like many in the audience, I’d been bowled over by the Van Occupanther album, and all the favourites (Roscoe, Young Bride etc) were given an airing here.

But suddenly the new Courage of Others record made perfect sense, a slow-grower brought thrillingly to life in a pulsating show.

Superb songs performed with skill and brio by a band that seemed to be enjoying it as much as an adoring, sweat-drenched throng – life surely doesn’t get much better than this.