"CHEERS York - thanks for the bath." The words of Kasabian's sweat-soaked frontman Tom Meighan at the end of a thrilling set at Fibbers.

He looked exhausted, poor lamb. But the crowd had little sympathy as they couldn't have been wetter themselves if they'd donned trunks and bikinis and watched the gig while treading water in the Ouse.

But everyone was just happy to be there, as the mad scramble for tickets had bordered on the obsessive.

Kasabian have become hot property as their splendidly self-titled debut wins more converts by the week.

Its trippy electronics and swirling beats sound even better live.

Hosted by Radio One DJ Zane Lowe, as part of the MTV2 Gonzo Tour, the evening had got off to a strange start with the arrival of Icelandic electro-freaks, Hot Chip. Imagine an annoying Super Mario Bros game tune played full blast.

The very ordinary The Go! Team also supported.

Within seconds of Kasabian's entrance, Fibbers went ballistic as fans were determined to make the most of what could be one of their last performances at such an intimate venue.

Looking like an Old Testament prophet, guitarist Sergio Pizzomo, conducted his troops effortlessly through stunning versions of Processed Beats, Cutt Off and Test Transmission.

Meighan danced and gestured throughout, in the spirit of Ian Brown and Bobby Gillespie. A pounding rendition of Reason Is Treason sent the place into orbit, but even that sounded tame compared to their new punkier track, Fifty-five.

By the end of dancefloor scream-along, Club Foot, the floods had reached Fibbers.

Updated: 11:03 Tuesday, October 26, 2004