So, after months of shameless self-promotions and banter on local music chat sites, we finally get to witness our first Mr Duck gig. These fine feathered creatures seem to have adopted the old Samurai Seven technique of getting punters to gigs by furiously ligging with them first. For the past few months, James and Alex Duck have been seen hanging out and getting drunk with various members of “Oxford’s New Burgeoning Scene” (© NME), and it seems to have paid off as assorted members of The Rock of Travolta, Eeebleee, Meanwhile Back in Communist Russia and Six Ray Sun are all in attendance tonight. Cliques, eh, don’t you just love ‘em? Firstly though, full marks for the pink, fluffy backdrop which, in keeping with the Ducks’ character, is actually at the front of the stage (so it’s a frontdrop really, isn’t it).

Okay, so enough about the drinking, ligging and amusing stage props, what of the actually music? Well, it’s all clattering, tribal drums, droning vocals and creepy, chiming delayed guitars and, oh god, hang on, they’re a goth band! A goth band called Mr Duck. A goth band with a ridiculous sense eof humour. Incredibly, it actually works.

They appear confident enough on stage despite their singer, James, looking like he’s about 12 years old. Maybe this is because they know that in Alex they probably have the sexiest guitarist in Oxford, but it also helps that he can play too, sort of like a miniature Jonny Greenwood. Unfortunately James’s singing is - ahem - something of an acquired taste. At best he comes across Patrick Duffy from Strangelove, or even Scott Walker, but for most of the set he sounds like Morrissey. Being sick. This aside, Mr Duck do have the ability, imagination and wit to transform themselves into beautiful swans and then perhaps they’ll be another band to add to “Oxford’s New Burgeoning Scene” (© NME). But until then let them spread their wings and learn to fly. And you will know them by the trail of bread…

Badly Drawn Boy