It has been a while since Marti Pellow, Tommy Cunningham, Graeme Clark and Neil Mitchell were the new handsome romantics on the block.

But their warm reception at the Brighton Centre soon proved that in their 50s-pluses they still have a strong fan base.

The band did not disappoint the die-hards, their sound beefed up by a strong brass section in which an excellent sax player perhaps might have been utilised more.

The band mixed their trademark mid-paced ballads with some punchier numbers, and Wishing I Was Lucky had plenty of chunky chops for the movers.

Pellow’s voice has more depth and edge than ever, and on some of the stronger numbers in particular he showed he can sustain a note.

The new material is well worth a listen by this sampling, and Love Was was powerful both in its message and delivery.

Wet Wet Wet knew what their audience wanted, so of course we got the hits, including charming and melodic Goodnight Girl, the insistent Angel Eyes and naturally the sing-along Troggs song Love Is All Around as the encore after what seemed a brief jazz jam session.

It all left the crowd high on the happy side.

Four stars