Stage: Carling stage, Reading

Time: Friday, 7.25pm

Dress code: Winklepickers and unkempt hair.

In summary: While mainstage performers Interpol drone on at the other end of the field, Cajun Dance Party turn the smaller-sized Carling stage into their own private stadium as band-branded balloons bounce off of raised hands and bobbing heads. This quintet of sixth formers are renowned for their enthusiastic live shows boosted by a natural inter-band-member chemistry. Today it feels as though that casual charisma is really starting to turn into something phenomenal. And it's always a bonus when a band confirm they're enjoying things as much as you are, so singer Daniel Blumberg's heartfelt "This is the best gig we've ever played" makes for a nice touch.

Better than: Anything else I've seen in quite a while.

Worse than: The only other band that have been getting emphatic lip service are stalwarts of the indie circuit Ash. Just as CDP's set was a contrast with Interpol's static performance, Scottish trio Ash were the sensible alternative to last night's Razorlight.

Highlight: A cover of Del Shannon's Runaway, which serves a reminder that CDP have a great ear for melody, closely followed by a hearty performance of current single Amylase.

Talking point: Whether lead guitarist Robbie Stern is wearing a satin shirt or a leather jacket. On closer inspection, it appears to be a leather jacket.

Mark out of ten: 9.5

What they'll be up to this time next year: It's unlikely they'll take up their already delayed university places, so perhaps a headlining slot would coerce them back.