Having let 'My Chemical Romance' run riot with their own brand of what is now being called 'screamo', (what f*cking idiot came up with that new tag?!), it is soon 'The Used's' turn to light up the Astoria stage or make it multi-coloured as is Bert's habit of throwing up during their feverous live performances.

Although Bert managed to keep his dinner down tonight none of their energy or power was missing from the show, the emaciated Utah frontman literally throwing himself into his performance and loving ever minute of the crazy rock and roll rollercoaster ride he still seems to be on. You would never know that these guys have only had one album such is the verve and dexterity they show live - belting out instant hits such as 'Buried Myself Alive' and 'Taste of Ink', the entire audience hanging on to every word. From the opening notes of 'Maybe Memories' they dont miss a beat, having the crowd in raptures one minute and on the verge of tears the next, their scale and depth being at times breathtaking.

So the question remains - who really needs Kelly Osbourne when you have such a natural talent as this? Not these guys. 'It's our time to shine' Bert croons on the hard nosed 'Box of Sharp Objects' and I couldn't agree more....so see them live now - waiting will only mean you'll be standing at the back of an arena looking through binoculars very soon.

Copyright 2003, BallBuster, The Official Int'l Underground Hard Music Report