The Stands are every bit a Liverpudlian guitar band and their sound echoes many Mersey greats.

The band's performance to a fairly empty Music Stage at V on Sunday was certainly enjoyable but largely unexceptional.

Guitarist, lead singer and songwriter Howie Payne led a set consisting mainly of love songs that harked back to the Cast album 'All Change.'

A somewhat over-indulgent acoustic finish to 'Always Is The Same' was followed by the stunning 'Here She Comes Again', a song with a head bobbing chorus that sums up everything good about The Stands.

Their sound could only be from Liverpool and the band are certainly doing no damage to the city's musical heritage.

Whether they have the necessary distinguishing features to rise above the current wealth of British talent is arguable.

This was The Stand's last performance in England this year but they would certainly be welcomed back to V if they return next year.

By Chris Runeckles

Published Sunday August 22, 2004