PREVIEWING the festival sound of 2005, Detroit's en-vogue six piece failed to match the hype generated by their recent singles. While the buzz around the band suggested great things were expected, last night's performance suggested that the best is already in the past.

Led by Dick Valentine, the group has a distinct blend of heavy rock and funk. While their tunes sometimes ape bands like Black Flag or The Fun Lovin' Criminals, little was memorable. Newer material from Senor Smoke and beyond showed little progression.

Valentine's testosterone charge was undeniably charismatic. Looking rather like comedian Jack Black, and albeit possessed with a fantastic rock voice like a tuneful Henry Rollins, his fixed grin made it look as though he was going through the motions. Although well drilled in the school of rock, the overall sound was contrived.

The Electric Six are a bar band that has cleverly snatched hold of the zeitgeist.

Valentine's cohorts were sub Blondie cut-outs, adept but indistinguishable. Radio Ga Ga pressed the right buttons, igniting half of the packed audience, Danger! High Voltage set arms waving, and She's White recalled AC DC. Overall, however, the six failed to capture the requisite excitement needed to sustain them.

There was no denying the power of the hit singles. Gay Bar is one of the catchiest tunes to break out in a long time, with its macho Stooges' riff and incessant, ironic chorus. For two blissful minutes it was almost Ladies' Night.

Updated: 12:49 Friday, June 17, 2005