Athlete

> UEA LCR, Norwich

Athlete lead singer Joel Pott was clearly nervous about showcasing material from the band's new album Tourist on Tuesday night. He needn't have worried as the crowd lapped up songs both old and new, while the band demonstrated a level of depth and a willingness to evolve sonically that entranced the crowd from the beginning.

Their new material slightly lacked the distinctive sound of its predecessors but more than made up for it in conviction, resulting in an interesting mix of the summery pop and optimism of their first album and the more mature, slightly darker, songs of their second. The crowd clearly loved both, often out-singing Pott during old favourites such as Westside and You Got The Style – something the singer clearly loved, as he invited them to finish off the wistful chorus of the acoustic Vehicles and Animals.

It wasn't all stirring keyboards and crowd sing-alongs however, with songs such as New Project switching from dreamy indie pop to guitar thrashes and back in the blink of an eye, keeping the set fresh and giving keyboardist Tim Wanstall a chance to show off his theremin skills.

Of the new songs, the rhythmic chant of the electronics tinged Modern Mafia was a clear standout and latest single Wires displayed raw emotion that provided a touching end to the evening.