The Hot Puppies - London ULU live review

Freshly signed to Fandango - the new label set up by Fierce Panda founder Simon Williams - The Hot Puppies know they have a lot to prove, but a sold-out ULU support slot proves not to be the early-days stumbling block experienced by, say, Razorlight in the past. The Cardiff-based five-piece are confident enough to kick off with new single 'Terry', its glistening keyboard lines chiming with impressive singer Becky Newman's powerful warble. There's more than a touch of Gwen Stefani in her voice - try 'Green Eyeliner' for size - and now the band have discovered the power of adding sex appeal, instead of indie coyness, to their infectious fizzpop cocktail, this could be the start of something rather impressive. Give 'em time.

Charlie Ivens

originally appeared in The Fly magazine, November 2005 issue

(pic copyright 2005 Rachel Bevis)