OCEAN Colour Scene's North Atlantic Drift Tour washed ashore in York last night. We were privileged, courtesy of manager Chris Cradock, to be taken back stage before the gig to meet the band and share a beer or two, finding them relaxing (Steve, the marigolds are on the way) to some Al Green before the onslaught to come.

Many people say OCS are better in the flesh than on disc. And on last night's performance I am one to agree.The set started with Oh Collector, from the new album North Atlantic Drift, and was full of favourites like The Circle and Lining Your Pockets, as well as other new album tracks.

Mechanical Wonder and Real World were played along the way, while the real crowd- pleasers, One For The Road, The Day We Caught The Train and Hundred Mile High City, were left to the end.

After leaving the stage to thunderous applause, Simon Fowler returned, on his own, to perform a fantastic rendition of Been Writing before Steve Cradock, Damon Minchella and Oscar Harrison joined him in playing out to their most famous track, The Riverboat Song theme from Chris Evans T.F.I. Friday shows. With shows still to come in not-too-distant venues, you'll be sorry if you miss them, if you catch my "drift".

Updated: 12:23 Saturday, September 13, 2003