AMERICA can look like heaven when viewed from south London. Steve Pulford,

the only half of the Arlenes performing last night, is the latest in a long

line of British musicians in the thrall of all things American.

From Matthews Southern Comfort on, the states are idealised in a pure optimistic form no compos mentis native would recognise.

Initially the five-piece almost overwhelmed the small but select crowd, but calmed down to win the day eventually. The title track of the group's latest album, Going To California, typified their expansive sound. The Arlenes are tailor-made for radio, with attractive widescreen choruses, tidy guitar solos and a nave view of all things stateside.

With Stephanie Arlene looking after the couple's young child, dueting duties fell to Australian singer Emily Barker. She performed capably, but a spark was definitely missing.

Although also lacking a distinctive voice, Pulford was clearly raised on an uncomplicated diet of Buck and Merle that runs unchecked in his own songs.

The first half was pleasant at best, which is not a word that should be used to describe good country music. Where new artists like Bonnie Prince Billy have upped the ante in terms of intensity and lyricism, bands like The Arlenes are made to sound rather old-fashioned.

The performance improved markedly when the song's subjects switched to home turf. 6 Junkie £'s (about someone in Pentonville) and Everybody's Mind Gets Broke Sometimes were the highlights, as if to prove that a little authenticity can go a long way.

Updated: 10:47 Friday, April 15, 2005