SOULS 'N' HEALS

FURNITURE
Coventry Polytechnic

IT MUST be a bewildering day for these brand new boys and girls, plucked from the bosom of their homes and hurled into the carnival of college life. So, of course, it's not surprising that more than a few seek immediate refuge in the bottle to loosen their tongues and hips for this induction service, this chamber of horrors known as the freshers' ball.

Twice in the half-light of this student sports hall alcohol glazed eyes mistook me for Jim Irvin, the man behind the chromium stands and flickering silver slides that projected the lead voice of Furniture. Not necessarily surprised, though definitely flattered, I wondered just what Furniture were doing here, in this hall of hopeful debauchery.

Of course, they were here to entertain, to scrub our souls clean and make them shine in the fresh morning light of their songs. Just like waking up next to someone you met last night and discovering that they're beautiful, Furniture run up the spinal cord and explode in your head, all pink love and sensuality.

Young Jim Irvin knows the value of his perfect giggle, even if the static young things crowded down the front deny it and he also knows that it's only one of many things that are perfect about this group. The small moments of information like the new single, 'Love Your Shoes' — are hauled up and made to blossom when performers as fresh, the band, their years of obscurity thrown off with one flick of the shoulders and a bold laugh to the masses.

After the last ringing, swirling notes of 'Brilliant Mind' sank into the pit of my stomach, all I could hear was a voice nearby whispering 'Brilliant. Brilliant.'

'Was that their hit?' it said, and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

RICKY WILDE [?]