JLS

A few years ago, when the charts were dominated by "landfill indie", the stellar boyband seemed like an extinct ­species. Then came JLS and their ­relentless march from X Factor runners-up to ­sellers of a million albums. They clearly cater for a neglected audience of very young girls, who want to suck ­lollipops, wave homemade cardboard signs ­reading "JLS, we love you!" and scream "Oh my God!" when the band appears. Wearing sunglasses and ­staring hard, the four objects of their desire initially look more like men from a car-clamping firm, but the instant the shades come off, those screams become deafening. JLS's music – Take That/Westlife fare blended with American R&B – ranges from the sublime (Beat Again, which hit No 1) to the faintly ridiculous (Close to You, about travelling the world and "seeing many beautiful girls", ­apparently none as pretty as those in "Notting! Ham!"). What they deliver is a terrific pop show, high on fun and audience participation. When cute-faced Aston asks the audience to "make some noise", the din is like 1,000 kettles whistling. During Umbrella, the kids ­actually wave brollies like ­something from Singin' in the Rain. The music is on backing tape, but the dancers, screens of fire, ­illuminated staircases and Aston's backwards ­somersaults give the feel of an arena show. The foursome nod to Motown with a Michael Jackson tribute that showcases their barbershop quartet harmonies. But, refreshingly, they are far from ­cynical, those big grins revealing ­genuine ­amazement at the mania unfolding before them. The only thing to do is join in, put a hand in the air, and scream.