Gene - The Waterfront, Norwich, Norfolk, England - 22.02.99

I can remember seeing Gene a couple of years ago. The band members haven't changed much, except Martin Rossiter's head now resembles a coconut.

It wasn't long before "Fighting Fit" was given an airing, along with "Sleep Well Tonight", but punters had to wait a while for "Olympian". Martin Rossiter's movements alternated between bounding around the stage one moment and staying fixed in one position the next, whilst he glared up to the heavens, with his arm outstretched and his hand draped over the microphone stand. Hmmm … a vision of Morrissey entered my head.

The last song of the evening was "For the Dead", the song which sparked my initial interest in the band.

The band's performance was respectable, although I think their distinctive style probably has its limitations - the material which they played off their new album, "Revelation", did nothing to make me sit up and listen, although it seemed to keep their hardcore fans happy.

Rating: ***

Date of Review: 12.03.99