It was The Libertines who, five years ago, were the catalyst for the wonderful indie scene that has thrown up some brilliant new bands.

It was therefore to pay my grateful respects that I made this gig.

Unlike The Libertines, who produced six or seven anthems, Dirty Pretty Things have, in my opinion, produced a few half-decent songs – Bang Bang You're Dead, You F****** Love It and Dead Wood.

The rest of their work lies in the recess of my mind, having been listened to a couple of times and discarded.

The 19-number set, which included three encores and lasted an hour, showcased new material from their forthcoming new album.

It was a highly enjoyable show, with the foursome on the top of their game.

However, Dirty Pretty Things are nothing more than an inferior Libertines, and their new stuff was markedly insipid.

The likes of Hippy's Son is a second-rate Kinks-type number, while Plastic Hearts sounded like something The Clash threw away before their first album.

Another number, Come Closer, was so slow and uninspiring it was a relief when if finished.

Across town The Pigeon Detectives played to a sold-out Academy.

Sad to say, with so many new kids on the block, Dirty Pretty Things are sounding as relevant as yesterday's news.