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Walking around Blackpool town centre prior to James' concert was like travelling back to 1991, indie kids wearing the band's at one time ubiquitous t-shirts were everywhere.

Getting the night of to an excellent start at the Empress Ballroom were My Federation, whose singer Lee Muddy Baker collaborated with James front man Tim Booth recently.

The band, who, earlier this year released their debut Don't Wanna Die album, deliver a technically tight set with an air of fun and self deprecation, with Baker instantly connecting with the crowd.

Their music is guitar driven heavy riffs, which contrast well with Baker's more delicate delivery and some delightful 60s style harmonies.

As James take to the stage the mood of the crowd changes to one of utter devotion and with a fan base so fervent, the gig becomes a 90 minute celebration.

The band, driven by Dave Baynton-Power's intricate and enveloping drum sound and complete with trumpeter, obviously have the sound for huge festivals and so to see them in more intimate surroundings is pleasing.

James, who released their new album Hey Ma earlier in April, mingle the new songs such as single White Boy among some highlights of their back catalogue including Waltzing Along and Come Home.

Mercifully, however, there is no rendition of the nursery rhyme ditty the band is most famous for, the multiple hit single Sit Down.

Booth effortlessly leads his congregation through the mass singalong and seems genuinely humbled by the goodwill and fervour directed towards the band.

The new material blends in well with the old and on the back of multiple festival appearances this summer, who is to say James' career won't march on into a fourth decade.

11:53am Thursday 1st May 2008

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