Them Crooked Vultures

Most super-groups turn out to be one big circle jerk. Only a few really work, apart from on CD where time can be spent perfecting a sound.

But the Vultures really come together on stage, as these are people who have known each other for years.

For them, the gig is about having fun - it's not truly about money any more.

This isn't lost on the capacity crowd at Portsmouth Guildhall, who are certainly up for the band's blend of stoner rock and guttural blues.

To say it is raucous would be an understatement. With plenty of crowd-surfing and beer-throwing, a good time is had by all - except for the security guys who are occasionally on the receiving end of that beer.

The band don't play much of their own material, although quality tracks such as Mind Eraser, No Chaser and Scumbag Blues are enough to get the crowd moving.

But with so few songs of their own, the Vultures are forced into offering up a few covers and some self-indulgent excessively long solos - which is perhaps what you'd expect from a super-group.

Nonetheless the set hangs together well and the the band's enthusiasm isn't wasted on the crowd, who are equally up for a good night.

Homme, Grohl and Jones deliver a sheer energy and a love for raising hell. And while the gig is a slightly mixed bag, in the end it rises above media hype, which nowadays is a rare thing indeed.