While Americans still lap up full-fat rootin' tootin' country n' western music, this side of the Atlantic we like our country tunes a little more alternative.

Bonnie "Prince" Billie and Grandaddy barely pass muster as side orders when the Yanks are wolfing down the same bland, saccharinesweet diet of Garth Brooks and his contemporaries.

But us Brits have always had a taste for these outsiders, which is why Concorde 2 was packed for a visit from alt-country stars Midlake.

The Texas five-piece are never going to reinvent the genre's wheel but they produced solid, beautiful harmonies and melodies during an enjoyable night.

Midlake remind you that while Americans have dreamt up brilliant ideas like bubble gum and the light bulb, they have also made the 55mph speed limit.

The pace never got beyond third gear, which may have felt a bit flat to some. But most of the crowd were thrilled by the ride.