IT SEEMS odd to think that while the likes of Pulp and Blur sat with their feet up for a decade or more before cashing in the reunion dividend, their Britpop contemporaries, the Bluetones, have ploughed tirelessly onwards.

But after 16 years the Tones have finally decided to call it a day, no doubt hoping there might be a chance for a revival jackpot in another 10 years or so.

Calling at the O2 as part of their farewell tour, the quartet are in understandably festive spirits.

Frontman Mark Morriss’s trademark self-deprecating wit is in full evidence, a good job given the somewhat underwhelming attendance.

“Here’s a song that sums up our career nicely – it’s called Never Going Nowhere,” he deadpans.

It’s then taken to the next level with an encore cover of KC and the Sunshine Band’s Give It Up, ‘something we have shouted at us a lot’, adds Morriss.

But in fairness to the indie stalwarts, their latter-day material, as well as the big-selling 90s arsenal, should leave a deserved legacy as fine songwriters.

A New Athens, title track of their latest record, is as fine a song as they have produced, while the likes of Surrender shows off their knowing way with a nagging hook.

Of course, there is one last nostalgic wind through their golden era, with the comforting chimes of Slight Return and Bluetonic wheeled out for posterity.

Their Hall of Fame invite is not likely to be in the post too soon, but the farewell has been carried out in true Bluetones fashion – with a little charm and a lot of style.