pop supergrass

Catatonia may have been added to the line-up to make MTV's Five Night Stand (9-14 May) at the Shepherd's Bush Empire a six-night affair, but that makes no difference as to what is the hottest ticket of the week. After what seems like just too long, they're back with a new single, "Pumping On The Stereo", in which Gaz Coombes reveals new Jagger-esque tones. It's quite possibly the best thing they've ever done, and the whispers are that their new album - out in September - is something quite special. Whereas other British bands appear with a bang and then allow their music to get bloated, Supergrass have kept their edge - it's getting better all the time.

Shepherd's Bush Empire, London W12 (0171-771 2000) Thur

Tim Perry