THE New Musical Express came roaring into York last night, the final destination on a whistle-stop tour.

Despite being seemingly delayed from the early 1980s, with its rocking new romantics and punk, the NME New World Disorder tour was just the ticket.

My Red Cell, a traditional rock four-piece, easily likened to a young Feeder, were set alight by their Mohican-sporting cowboy lead singer.

Despite hitches with temperamental guitars and the end-of-term feeling through the entire gig, the two leads sparked into a haunting, schizophrenic duet.

Guitarist Adam Cook was straight man to the outrageous Russell Toomey, singing in turn in harmony, rounds and straight competition. But it worked, with Toomey's howls and squalls grounded by Cook, bringing the show to life.

Even the most hardened cynic was won over by final band, The Ludes.

Straight off the express from the 1980s, they were sporting frilly shirts, velvet jackets and floppy hair in true new romantics style, but this band was no mere homage.

It was not just the outfits that were authentic, with the classic combination of indie and ska producing the instantly memorable hits.

Their harder rocky sound brought them well into the 21st century.

With their frenetic energy, movement and music, as well as theatricals and a rare piece of crowd surfing from the Fibbers stage, The Ludes were instant stars.

At once original and instantly recognisable, they may well be on their way to the top.

Updated: 10:07 Tuesday, December 02, 2003