This Carling-sponsored gig by The Sisters of Mercy tribute band, who have "been entertaining the crowds since `96" certainly proved popular, with well over one hundred Sisters fans packed into the Limelight`s Annexe bar to see them do their thing.

The `Smurphs` aren`t a tribute in the sense of looking exactly like the band, but have got the sound 100% spot on, with none-more goth vocals and impressive guitar work. The crowd definately seemed impressed, with a sizeable group dancing right from the start - despite Eldritch-style griping about "dignity" from the black-clad frontman; and even saw bar staff sneaking downstairs in order to catch the set.

It is testament to the strength and range of the Sister`s back catalogue that the band played for just under two hours and still hadn`t played all the classics - no `Dominion`, to my dismay! However, we did get `Alice`,`Lucretia my Reflection`, `Ribbons` and - of course - the ubiquitous `Temple of Love`, which prompted practically the entire audience to thunder to onto the dancefloor. All in all, the gig was a roaring success, and as close to the real deal as you`re ever going to get for free

(for more info visit www.thesistersofmurphy.com)

From Stoke Gothic (http://www.stokegothic.co.uk)