There's a (very tenuous) link to the Datsuns for the headliners tonight, The Dirtbombs. A couple of years ago, there were some rave reviews about their live shows, and they were in the UK supporting the Bellrays for a few shows. The Bellrays played Oxford, and excitedly I bought a ticket a ticket, only to find out that I had misread the support, and it was, in fact, The Datsuns. So, was it worth waiting two years for? Yes, although it wasn't quite how the reviewers described it.
The reviews say that The Dirtbombs are a part of the Detroit scene, influencing bands like The White Stripes and The Von Bondies. Well that's all probably true. What they didn't say was that they performed pop songs. If they weren't all as old (except for maybe drummer Ben) they could have been another band in the Busted McFly mould (This is a good thing by the way.) But that's not just it. There is such a diversity and intensity in their sound. Diversity from the wide ranging influencies, alongside the 60s harmonised pop, there's soul, rock and even a bit of funk, and intensity from the two bass and two drums line up. And then there's singer Mick's voice, from the low voice speaking to the 'laydees' to the range you can expect from any soul singer.
From such a cauldron of influences and personalities in the band, they can sit comfortably outside of any scene. And the two year wait was worth it, for something that doesn't quite fit in with anything else.