War Child Brits Show 2012, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire - review

But for Damon Albarn's iPad, he and guitarist Graham Coxon might have been transported directly from their mid-Nineties peak. Coxon was as scruffy as a teenager and Albarn sported a retro windcheater for their three-song set. The pair revisited album tracks He Thought of Cars and Strange News from Another Star, and Albarn's resonant voice suited these melancholy old tunes more than ever.

The surprise of the evening was a new song, Under the Westway, which Albarn played on piano while seeming to need his iPad to recall the lyrics. For all the build-up, though, it was a curious comeback that lacked the singalong celebration we can expect when they perform at the Brit Awards.

The Sheeranators, as Ed Sheeran's screaming fans are known, were more than happy to sing along with the 21-year-old, perhaps our most recognisable new pop star thanks to his ginger mop. However, it was exhausting just watching Sheeran's furious set and by the end his relentless demands for audience participation became confusing.

Nevertheless, his solo performance using a loop pedal effect, during which he sang into two microphones, strummed and slapped a guitar, was a minor revelation. Sheeran can even rap a bit and these tendencies were indulged alongside guest stars Example and Wretch 32.

Four Brit nominations may be generous, but Ed Sheeran deserves to win something tomorrow night.

War Child