大象传媒

It's hard not to like Jape. Richie Egan's infectious charm, music that moves seamlessly between banging indie electronica to enchanting, warm melodies and back again, energy that can't help but get the audience dancing - what could there possibly be not to like?

In fact, it really is verging on the criminal that Jape aren't more widely known, so well-rounded is their resume. They've got tunes which are brilliantly catchy, yet off-beat enough to make them stand out from the crowd. They've fashioned a nice little spot for themselves sitting comfortably between indie, folk, pop and electronica. They've got a tight band, great energy, and a front man whose daftness and warmth can't help but endear any crowd to him.

And Friday's performance was certainly no exception. These guys turn everything up to 11 live, resulting in beats which are more immediate, hypnotic and kinetic, and an intimate and playful engagement with the crowd.

Or at least this was the case once Richie got everyone down the front, rather than hanging coyly back like a bunch of kids at the school disco. And so proceedings were livened up just in time for their best known and best loved songs, Floating, Phil Lynott and I Was A Man. Best known and best loved for a reason, one should point out, for these little numbers showcase Jape at their very best - singalongable indie melodies, sweet, tender and slightly bonkers lyrics and electronic hooks that'll get you raving and bouncing about like a loon.

And with that, the night was ended on a high of the sweatiest, danciest and grinniest degree. Be sure to come back again soon, lads, and we'll be sure to be back down the front dancing like buck eejits.

Orla Graham