If not the most polished stage performers indie rockers Longview are amongst the most endearing.

In their Saturday evening slot on the Music Choice stage at the V Festival the band showed potential for life amongst the big boys.

Lead singer Rob McVey engages with his audience, on Saturday he used a mutual hatred for the house music blearing from a next-door dance tent.

He also leads heavy guitar indie ballads of some distinction and the band got a good reaction to songs including 'Can't Explain' and 'I Would.'

Two years ago Longview opened on the NME stage at V and showed they have matured in the interim with a confident performance.

The band finished with a performance of 'Further' so good that they guaranteed a tent full of sales when the single comes out in September.

By Chris Runeckles

Published Saturday August 21, 2004