I'd not been to the venue before, but was extremely impressed with the sound, lighting and general ambience of the place, and the ease of getting there (albeit by car) from Lancaster.

The duo, plus full live band, were touring their new album Yeah Ghost, which I must admit fell a bit short of my expectations after the quality of the first three, and seemed to lack originality.

But as a live performance, well there's not many "bands" who can mix up folk, acoustic, funk, soul, techno, deep house and jazz whilst providing tearjerking moments (stripped down version of In The Waiting Line as an encore) and foot stomping live drum and bass in one go - and please everyone.

But that they did. New guest vocalist Eska Mtungwazi gave their trademark uplifting sound a more soulful edge (think Basement Jaxx' Kish Kash), and the contributing voice of Olivia Chaney, for me, rivalled that of previous contributor Sia Furler's (Destiny, Distractions).

The only downside was a couple of tracks that didn't really go anywhere, and the absence of "folk royal" Martha Tilston, who sings on Swing and Pop Art Blue.

All in all a quality musical experience in an excellent venue.
And I might point out that you don't have to get a fake NUS card to enjoy 53 Degrees as it's open to the public in general.

Future gigs there include; Oct 20 Calvin Harris, Oct 26 Little Boots, Oct 31 Dizzee Rascal (sold out), Nov 7 The Enemy and Nov 23, The Magic Numbers.

Closer to home, the Yorkshire House are hosting a benefit gig in memory of Simon Howden and his family, tomorrow night, Saturday.

The proceeds will go to The National Childbirth Trust's Lancaster Branch, with a suggested donation on the door (8pm) of £5.

Premier Kissoff, 3D Tanx,Dan Haywood, Howdenjones and Stuart Anthony perform.

Also tomorrow, breakbeat pioneers the Plump DJs make a welcome visit to Lancaster's Cuba, in Dalton Square.

The duo, with three albums and 15 singles under their belt, are joined by Sourpuss DJs, The Media Monkeys, Dirty Dan and Ash Howell.

Tickets are priced at £10 and doors open from 10pm – 4am.

Gig Guide

* Tonight, Friday:
John O'Gaunt: Wanderlust.
The Pub: Rude Mood.
Stonewell Tavern: Rewind.
The Yorkshire House: Blue Peter Badge Winners Get In Free.
The Bath, Morecambe: Cheapskates.

* Saturday:
The Pub: Breed.
Stonewell Tavern: The Hustle.
Golden Lion: Quay Change.
The Yorkshire House: Si Fest with Premier Kissoff, 3d Tanx, Dan Haywood, Stuart Anthony and Howdenjones.
Cuba: The Plump DJs plus support.
Heaton Hall: Jamrock.
The Bath, Morecambe: TFL.
Ma Murphy's, Morecambe: The Hoodoo.
The Dome, Morecambe: Floyd 2 (Pink Floyd tribute).

* Sunday:
The Robert Gillow: Jivehoot.
John O'Gaunt: Occasional Rascuedos.
The Yorkshire House: Slow Riot Records Presents Human Error, Krupskaya, Exploits Of The Dead and more.

* Monday:
The Robert Gillow: Sue Parish, Paul Kilvington, Frank Grime. Longlands Hotel, Tewitfield: Catdog.

* Thursday:
John O'Gaunt: Mark Coyle.
The Robert Gillow: Hard Times.
Stonewell Tavern: Idol Minds.
The Dome, Morecambe: Ollie Brown.