CityLife

A LOT can be learnt about a band from how they react to situations of an unexpected nature.<br /> <br /> So, when part of the air conditioning system swings down half way through the Noisettes’ gig vocalist Shingai Shoniwa isn’t in the slightest bit phased.<br /> <br /> “Oh. Let’s just get rid of that,” she says, pulling it from the ceiling and chucking it on to the stage. A venue has never been so affably dismantled, for sure.<br /> <br /> It’s this kind of ability to shrug off the unexpected, and injury, which has seen the Noisettes through to where they are today.<br /> <br /> Sublime pop-punk<br /> <br /> With one album already under their belts, the sublime pop-punk What’s The Time Mr Wolf? and a second on the way this month, it’s a complete mystery as to how they still manage to float under the radar.<br /> <br /> In fact, on a ranked list of injustices, the fact that The Noisettes’ name doesn’t register more of a reaction from the general public must be pretty near the top.<br /> <br /> Shingai’s performance was a demonstration of her sheer flexibility, both physically and vocally, as well as being a health and safety officer’s nightmare.<br /> <br /> Effortless charm<br /> <br /> No sooner had Shingai thrown off her pumps than she was assailing the stage and all its various peaks and troughs with effortless charm, like a game of three-dimensional Twister. <br /> <br /> Although there were smatterings of What’s The Time Mr. Wolf? to be heard, notably the album’s stand-out track Scratch Your Name, it was clear that The Noisettes’ agenda was very clearly set on their new material.<br /> <br /> Particularly second album Wild Young Hearts, which when writing took them right back to the drawing board. <br /> <br /> Second time round it’s less about thrashing aplomb (although drummer Jamie Morrison still gets his fair share) and more about soul, pop-hooks and melody, which are delivered by the bucket-load.<br /> <br /> Drizzled in soul<br /> <br /> Nothing sums this up more astutely than opener Wild Young Heart, a jaunting pop anthem, drizzled in soul and reeking of danceability. <br /> <br /> At one point Shingai literally takes to the floor, in an attempt for ‘the small ones at the back to get a look in’ and dragging her mic cable (and her willing audience) along in toe and flanked by her camera-wielding aunt.<br /> <br /> If 2009 is set to be a great year for the girls, with Lady Gaga, Little Boots and La Roux all touted for the big-time, then it can’t be too far a stretch of the imagination to entertain a similar success for the Noisettes.<br /> <br /> Shingai certainly knew how to win over The Ruby Lounge.<br />