THERE was a definite buzz among the sell-out crowd packed into The Brook.

It wasn't surprising as it's not every day that an artist with as much underground cool as Aim pitches up in town, particularly not with a ten-piece band in tow.

Somehow Aim - real name Andy Turner - has never quite entered the wider public consciousness, meaning fans can feel they're part of a secret club.

We know there are more like us out there, who appreciate the 1999 debut album Cold Water Music as a work of genius, but it seems difficult to explain that to anyone who hasn't heard it.

Part of the problem is that trying to define Aim's sound isn't easy.

Turner's work is normally found in the dance/electronica section of music shops, but there is a heavy hip-hop influence at work too.

Sell-out Whatever the genre is, Aim's "secret" fan club is big enough to sell out a UK tour, and those who snapped up tickets to the Southampton leg didn't go away disappointed.

The vocals of petite singer Niko could have been turned up a little, but the use of a live band worked brilliantly and provided an extra depth to the sound.

Although most of the set list came from recently released album Flight 602, there was a smattering of older material in there to add some familiarity and give the fans a real night to remember.

Aim, The Brook, Southampton.

- Jon Reeve