Norwich Arts Centre

Stars in the making, Cord showed again last night that there is still room for intelligent writing in music.

Their characteristic no-fear approach to rhythm and melody should win the Norwich fourpiece plenty of friends, once their long-awaited album is finally recorded.

In the meantime, an audience that seemed dominated by established fans was treated to confident performances showing a thoughtful approach to words and creative use of the off beat.

Drummer Phil Davison showed a mature understanding of leading rhythm, rather than let rhythm lead.

And the band's singer and songwriter, James Leeds, stretched his voice into falsetto without losing the integrity of his lyrics.

With fluent, almost luxuriant, chords from lead guitarist Mike Jackson, the musicality made it hard to draw a comparison with a group less accomplished than Coldplay or more dynamic than Keane.

All of which left many in the audience itching more than ever for the album to be finished.

It would be no surprise if, when it does finally arrive in shops, the first record disappears just as quickly.