BILLED as a gig to launch the new Quails album 'Master of Imperfection', it ended up as a celebration of a band on the verge of something big.

Teignmouth's Quails have come a long way from playing their first pubs, carnivals and regattas, and the rewards are surely just around the corner.

They are no strangers to the big stage now, having supported Muse at Teignmouth and played to big festival crowds in the UK and Europe.

But there was a real sense at the Riviera Centre that this is a band ready to take the big step to headline status in their own right.

From the moment they came on stage to the final encore more than an hour later, they kept a packed 1,000-strong crowd dancing and shouting for their favourite songs.

Material from the new album was well received, particularly 'Games With The Devil', 'Princess' and current single 'Argentina'.

And there was also plenty of room for old favourites from the first Quails album, 'I've Heard It's All Rumours'.

But the best reception was saved for the show-closing number 'Fever', an outstanding song that will be the second single from the new album.

The pace never flagged throughout the set, and bass player Sam Banks and drummer Chris Prentice proved not just a great rhythm section but also suppliers of soaring harmonies.

Guitarist Max Armstrong was on top form, and if a band stands or falls on the quality of its front man, The Quails should have nothing to fear.

Dan Steer was in ebullient form, an engaging rabble-rouser with a fine voice and a skilful touch on guitar and keyboards.

The Quails now head off on a month-long tour to promote the new album, followed by a summer on the festival circuit with an appearance at Glastonbury the highlight.

There is a lot riding on this summer for them, but with the cheers of the Torquay crowd still ringing in their ears, they proved themselves to be well prepared to move up to the next level.

Support bands The Iconyx and Redtrack did a fine job of warming up the crowd, and Brighton band Two Spot Gobi took the slot immediately before the Quails.

It's not often you see a cello on stage, but Two Spot Gobi's quirky songs made the most of the unusual sound, and the audience warmed to them quickly.

A word, too, for the impressive sound and light system, which did a lot to make it a memorable night at a venue which really should host more events like this.

GUY HENDERSON