Dizzy Tales have been playing together in the south-east for years now, and last night the practice showed. The four-piece from Crawley played a tight set of eclectic and well-written songs.

An indie-rock band in essence, they blended just the right amount of fuzz and distortion with more subtle effects which allowed the lead singer’s powerful voice to shine. Three members of the band sang backing vocals, giving their songs texture and depth.

Many of their songs were unpredictable and in several sections, probably the work of their tempo-shifting drummer.

Perhaps the highlight was their lead guitarist, whose fast fingers managed to put jazzy licks into spaces they should never have fit. Ultimately his style gave the band an unexpected dimension, and he packed in the notes without overwhelming the rest of the band.

The band were very comfortable with the audience, making jokes and drawing them close to the stage. By the end they had won over the reluctant parts of the crowd with their refreshing and surprising sound.

Four stars