After three years of touring playing the same material and riding the remix wave, the time had finally come for Van She to prove whether they had long-term potential as a real band, through the release of their debut album V. Given the artificial beginnings of the band (members responded to an advertisement put out by Modular label man Steve Pavlovic) and the bubblegum pop found on their earlier EP’s such as Kelly, tough critics have been quick to write-off Van She. Hence, it was this balmy night at Prince for V’s launch where Van She would prove if they are just pretty faces or can offer the depth and talent required to achieve deserved acclaim.

First on the cards though was a talented band named Mission Control and already from the name, the spacey electronic sounds they produce could be anticipated. Lead vocalist Raph’s unique brooding and great vocal range melds beautifully with the cacophony of science-fiction inspired sounds they create. Their track Chariots of Fire was the highlight of their short set and although the night’s crowd had yet to trickle in completely, they were received well by those punters paying attention.

The next band up was psychedelic-indie favourites * Lost Valentinos*. Sporting their customary paint-masks they took the stage to a warm crowd response and in return they offered an extremely impressive live-show. Although the vocals lacked in some places, this was more than made up for by the fantastic stage presence and talented musicianship shown. Having had some spectacular producers sign-on to help in the past including Ewan Pearson (Chemical Brothers) and Peter Mayes (Pnau), there is no denying that these guys are talented. Their tracks 17 Deaths and crowd favourite Rain truly highlighted how much potential they possess.

There is a concern with bands that have a diverse amalgamation of influences (Lost Valentinos’ ranging from M83 to My Bloody Valentine) that their sound will get lost in translation between a production studio and a bandroom. This was definitely not the case with Lost Valentinos as they charged coolly through their set with infectious energy and most importantly they sounded great.

Finally it was time for Van She to take the stage and the crowd’s anticipation was palpable. The beginning of their set was not only the best of the night, but showed a serious desire to prove themselves beyond their profile as – œa second rate cut copy’. Their first track, Memory Man was simply superb and arguably the best of the night including great instrumental breakdowns and an almost punk-sensibility in the band’s playing style. This brilliant start continued through the second track, and it wasn’t until the third song Cat in the Eye was played that their better known shoe-gaze pop sound came out. This was followed by the catchy Changes and this bouncy number certainly had the crowd throbbing.

However the middle of the set lacked a little bit in intensity as the band reverted to some old bad touring habits of just cruising through their hits relying on extra synths instead of a live band feel. This affliction effected Virgin Suicide and Sex City which were pushed through without much impact, which is unfortunate as these are some of their better tracks. Despite some problems with speakers, the energy was lifted again towards the end of the set with Strangers, Sharp Knife and Mission all proving highlights. Whilst clearly a crowd favourite and hence played second last, Kelly was actually one of the weaker tracks as it negated some of the credibility gained earlier and simply remains too polished to be a good live track.

The beginning of Van She’s set really showed they have the ability to delve into less pop biased directions and helped prove that this band should not be easily dismissed. With so much pressure to not only create a great debut album but develop further as a live band, Van She seems to have risen to the occasion and have a bright future ahead of them.

CHECK OUT THE PIX FROM THE GIG HERE