
As the title of their forthcoming best of album reminds us, Supergrass is 10, which could refer to their mental age as well as their longevity. The Oxford trio always were the cheeky chappies of Britpop. Early singles such as Alright wonderfully summed up the ultimately naive optimism of the Cool Britannia period, but they always appeared to be a band who would have difficulty growing up - you can't keep writing songs about smoking dope on the back of the bus when you're approaching 30. Conversely, when Gaz Coombes and pals have tried to be serious, they've often sounded like they'd rather be in the pub.
At least they're still here, which is more than can be said for most of their contemporaries. The riotous, celebratory occasions of their halcyon days, however, have made way for a barely full student hall, although some prankster has paid homage to the old days by blocking every single toilet. The first words Coombes utters to Newcastle are: "Here I see a time to go" (from In It for the Money), which may sound more poignant than intended.
A largely greatest hits set adds to the feeling of slightly hungover nostalgia; the only "show" arrives when Coombes's simian features are blown up on to video screens. With the trio sounding rusty, a Coombes solo acoustic set provides an unexpected highlight. Songs as diverse as Late in the Day and Caught by the Fuzz are rendered beautifully, suggesting an emotional depth he's unwilling to display in front of band-mates. But when new single Kiss of Life, sounding particularly under-rehearsed, funks awkwardly, you wonder where they go from here. A blast of old hits finally generates some atmosphere, and the venerable piano-stomping Alright is greeted by euphoria. That song alone could ensure another decade packing them in at seaside towns, but there'd be no disgrace if they chose to bow out while still within spitting distance of the top.
· At the Town Hall, Middlesbrough (01642 242561), tonight; then touring.
