Little Fish have been invited to open Sarurday night at the new Oxford Carling Academy (formerly 'the zodiac').

"Ur on guest list come in" was the welcoming text I got as I arrived outside the Academy (luckily getting a parking space opposite). Unfortunately the doors were't open so I had to wait. Inside there's a faint smell of new paint. Backstage JuJu is excitedly nervous, Nez is quietly confident. Those of us not in the band take pictures of each other and the band, and eye the band's beer. The call to arms comes soon enough.

JuJu's nerves have evaporated with the first rattle of the snare drum in Devil's Eyes. The band are entirely at home in these surroundings. No strings break and the crowd respond enthusiatically. There must be over 200 people here for this early start, hardly any will have come for Little Fish so the positive reception is particularly encouraging. The show is over all too soon. Frantic dismantalling of kit and coiling of cables leaves no time for immediate reflection, but 20 minutes later with most of the kit packed, we relax outside the backdoor. It was a great evening. But the night is still young, there's time for another Little Fish show.