The Beta Band - The Pyramids Centre, Portsmouth

A NUMBER of Scottish bands have crossed the border to gain international mainstream success, including Travis and Texas.

A cult hit until now, The Beta Band look set to become the next big thing from the Highlands.

Judging by their latest live show - part of a tour to promote their new album, Heroes to Zeros - it won't be long before we see them in the top 20.

The band put on a truly great performance with their combination of mumbled vocals and infectious beats.

The set opened with a short Japanese-style film by John Maclean, which led into their opening number, Rhododendron, to rapturous applause.

This set the scene for the night as they played a number of tracks from their new album as well as older tracks from their previous LP, Hot Shots II.

The sublime sound of She's The One from the bands debut album The Three EPs was a highlight of the evening.

This band's talent is unquestionable and it seems the only way for them is forward.