"WELCOME to the world of Seafood, the unluckiest indie-rock band in the world."

David Line, singer with the underrated alternative popsters, was not exaggerating with his deadpan greeting.

In February, he was hospitalised following a collapsed lung, and the resultant cancelled tours rounded off a year in which the band were dropped from their record label and lost their original guitarist.

Last night's gig at Fibbers was the opening date on their first tour for several months, and it showed. The band arrived onstage late, having been delayed on the way to the venue, and went on to gain a fifth member in the form of the sound technician who frantically adjusted their gear throughout.

The band largely chose to showcase the folky recent album As The Cry Flows, but although the move away from their squally Sonic Youth roots is enjoyable on record, it proved slightly less so live, and the set plodded slightly.

Nevertheless, the band's talent for mixing heartfelt lyrics and graceful melody with dissonant guitar sounds and tension-building interludes was evident, with the buoyant new single Sleepover a highlight. The technical hitches and opening night wobbles were a shame, as on their day Seafood are essential listening for those who prefer their lo-fi indie both abrasive and tuneful.

Updated: 10:50 Monday, October 04, 2004