Despite being relative newcomers to the giddy world of pop, Mis-Teeq know what sells. "They're talented, they're beautiful and most of all they're British," we are told before the dazzlingly confident trio stride onto the stage and make the dismal disco setting come alive.
Like Craig David before them, Mis-Teeq know better than to hide their nationality beneath slick production and practised pouts in a foolish attempt to take on the Americans at the R&B game. Instead they have dragged their parochial sound - the heavy basslines and yo-yo MC style of UK garage - out of the urban underground and made it palatable for club kids and chart fans alike. Where So Solid Crew, who make an appearance on Mis-Teeq's debut album, Lickin' on Both sides, cause controversy, Sabrina, Alesha and Su-Elise are the garage girls it's safe to love.
Combining the glamour of Destiny's Child with some streetwise London charm, Mis-Teeq look like stars. They toss their long, coloured hair extensions in time with the broken-up beats, and each member is dressed in jeans and fringed tops that show some skin, while their eyes are hidden behind sunglasses in a symbolic show of success.
As a DJ throws scratches between samples adorned with sweeping strings, the girls synchronise dance moves. A shimmy follows a shake, hands moving across their hearts before pointing at the crowd with a knowing look. The close harmonies and catchy choruses are part of the tried-and-tested girl group style, but as Alesha bursts into some frantic MC action during Why, the energy and smiles betray the youthful enthusiasm behind the glossy-lipped pop.
Working one section of the crowd as she punches the air, titillating another with a hands-on-hips stance, Alesha is a woman who takes no prisoners. She comes armed with a London twang and a look of determination, and her rapid-fire MC style is fierce. When she pauses to pick up the Latino rhythm of B With Me and dance with Su-Elise, it's not an act of provocation, but a celebration of friendship and femininity - essential parts of the Mis-Teeq ethos.
These Days, a slushy ballad dedicated to their mums, gives Alesha a chance to try out some Mariah Carey-style emoting and really sing - though that's a job best left to Sabrina, whose soulful vocals provide Mis-Teeq's R&B credentials. Su-Elise has a rare moment to shine when her MC skills get an airing during the fantastic One Night Stand, though it's not long before Alesha jumps in and takes the song by the scruff of the neck with her speedy vocals. By the time All I Want kicks off, it's difficult to see how Mis-Teeq won't get all they desire and more.
