First Night: Republica Dingwalls, London - Lots of brass but no brains

REPUBLICA'S SAFFRON has courted more than her fair share of controversy, although until recently it has been for little more than her lurid hairdo.

Last year, she advised Janet Jackson to "Ave a word with yourself, love", after she appeared on stage with red streaks in her hair, while Lene from Scandinavian pop sensation Aqua was similarly cut down to size after sporting a blood-red barnet.

To be fair, Republica have certainly made it musically in the United States - they even get played on Baywatch from time to time - although they have found it harder n these shores.

The London trio first appeared late in 1996 with their rousing anthem "Ready To Go", to a degree of success, but were soon eclipsed by ttheir smarter counterparts Garbage. Other jarringly similar singles have come and gone, but to no great effect.

It is Saffron's cockney brass, more than anything else, that has sustained her media persona, having secured her a wealth of soundbites and regular slots on pop discussion programmes and puerile gameshows. While the girls bill and coo over her luscious locks, the boys slaver at her glittering eyes, her tight trousers and sex-kitten sneer. And the boys were certainly out in force last night. Row upon row of sweaty, hormone-driven disciples packed the front.

The band open with the raucous "Drop Dead Gorgeous" that has the lads singing along inanely and foaming at the mouth. This is followed by an odd new track "Kung Fu Movies", perfectly crafted to appeal to the front rows.

But despite the irresistible, pouting allure and a magnificently feisty stage presence, the excitement is short-lived as the band's limited repertoire soon becomes apparent. While their sing-a-long melodies are instantly captivating and have you jiggling about for the first few bars, closer inspection reveals jarring lyrics and cliched choruses.

Each track contains the requisite amount of poppy synthesisers, clattering guitars and shouty Siouxsie Sioux vocals - enough to court a range of teenage musos, but sadly not enough to sustain a career.

Republica have a handful of good, value-for-money singles that clamour for attention, but they are ultimately uninspiring. Saffron, at least, can look forward to a glittering career in television and would be well advised not to give up the day job.