They're simply the best

The new-look Simplicity and their anthemic future rock meant there could be no question of a rematch in last night's third heat of the 1999 Cambridge Red Stripe Band Competition. DAN KING shows you his card.

FOR the first time in this year's competition, the less-is-more philosophy of sound mixing prevailed and Simplicity took full advantage.

Opening with a tight instrumental which showed off their new sound, they had my favourite song of the competition so far in Button Down Armies and in Alex Harris an impressive singer, not to mention songwriter.

It was not too hard to pick out a few influences -- The Verve, Radiohead, Embrace, The Charlatans, even Songs Of Faith And Devotion-era Depeche Mode -- but it's what you do with them that counts and Simplicity produced a confident, powerful and melodic set to rival anything I've heard so far.

Also benefiting from the lower volume and higher clarity were The Babysitters, whose English quirk-pop was very entertaining, thanks in no small part to everyone being able to hear their frequently hilarious lyrics.

Musically, they were in the best music hall tradition with echoes of early Supergrass, David Devant and a more frivolous Supernaturals, all cheesy organ, bouncy bass and, as fellow judge Giff rightly said, the best guitar sound so far.

The frontman also had some great banter but seemed to be covering up the limitations of his voice by half-talking a lot of the time. By the end of the nine-song set, the sound was becoming a little repetitive but I'd still hire them for a party.

The same could not be said, unfortunately, of Effortless.

Once again, Giff hit the nail on the head by saying "Green Day" within 10 seconds of the first song starting and although their range went as far as a bit of Weezer, some Dodgy and some ballads, the most remarkable thing about them was the height of the frontman.

The band have youth on their side as well as lots of young fans who won them a crate of Red Stripe in the beer cheer. No doubt they will have developed a tighter, more individual sound by next year.

Suddenly the sound system seemed to revert to ear-splitting incoherence as Ouija launched into She's So Square, but thankfully things soon improved and the audience was treated to some well-crafted and powerful tunes.

They reminded me a bit of the Stereophonics with their dynamic contrasts and meaty melodies but lacked that band's live charisma.

It was a night of pleasant surprises. Last year, Simplicity were a fairly accomplished indie guitar-rock band. This year they are a very accomplished, atmospheric sixpiece, who have big songs and a big chance of winning the final.

* Huntingdon's Jayne Radio are leading the audience vote going into next week's fourth and final heat -- the winner of it will take the fifth spot in the final.

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