WHATEVER preconceptions you have of a blues and rock club, Elme Hall Hotel’s Sunday afternoon gigs blow them clear out of the water. Far from my idea of a smokey room, filled with intimidatingly knowledgeable regulars, the spacious venue has an immediately friendly atmosphere. The high ceiling, with a second tier of the audience on a balcony above the main auditorium, really allows the acoustics to soar. And the punters come from all walks of life, from those who remember 70s rock outfit THE GROUNDHOGS, to teenagers hearing the material for the first time. There is also a high contingent of families, which - depending on the energy level of the youngsters you’re perched near - stops things getting too heavy and epitomises how approachable Elme Hall is for music fans of all ages. But whatever our differences, appreciation for blues rockers EGYPT was unanimous when the three-piece took Elme Hall by storm earlier this month. Starting with an energy-fuelled version of Bo Diddley’s Before You Accuse Me, Egypt powered their way through a strong set from John Lee Hooker favourites, Groundhogs numbers, including Cherry Red, to Jimi Hendrix’s Voodoo Chile. Peter Correa was sometimes a blur behind the drumsticks, maintaining a relentless rhythm, which echoed round the room, getting into your bones and making you move. Bassist Alan and guitarist Eric Chipulina's superb instrumentals would have made vocals unnecessary, if lead singer Eric's rough and raspingly voice had not been quite so perfect that it seemed made for their material. The guys also performed their self-penned title track and Raising Cain from their new album Midnight Sun, which includes Johnnie Winter's Mean Town Blues. Delayed due to printer problems, Midnight Sun is expected out this month on the Blues Matters label. And previous albums Egypt and Preserving The Dead will be re-released with the label in advance of their UK and European tour, taking in Switzerland, Holland and Belgium. Egypt is also out on the road with the Motor Riders Association this year, performing at the Southern Crusader Treffen in Helston, Cornwall, on Friday, April 9, and at the Eastern Treffen in Stalham, Norfolk, on Friday, July 9. For a truly class act you'll have to go a long way to beat these guys, and don’t let the predominantly 70s set-list fool you - Egypt’s heyday is right now. To keep up to date with all the Egypt news see www.egypt-blues.com