Despite looking like Cast’s younger brothers, The Stands are the latest in a long line of ‘cosmic scouse’ bands to be hyped by the music press. Onstage, the band sound like The Coral on tranquilisers, if such a thing can be imagined; the Liverpudlian Rickenbacker jangle sedated rather than shambolic. Howie Payne’s Dylan-esque songwriting abilities set the band apart from their counterparts, and have won them a host of admirers including Noel Gallagher. Highlights of the band’s set included recent single I Need You, the Byrds-y All Year Is Leaving and a track that begins as a typical folky ballad, but then dissolves into a full-on, blinding ten minute jazz/funk jam. DO believe the hype.