Valentine’s Day: a whirlwind of love, romance, roses and teddy bears… Well, that’s not everyone’s cup of tea! XYZ singleton Léo Rahban decided to “gig the heck out of it” instead and headed down to student haunt Hectors House to check out Brighton’s LASER CRABS.

My old friend Josh had been telling me to go and catch Laser Crabs live since I moved to Brighton. Intrigued by such an unusual name, I checked them out on Myspace and decided that instead of a romantic candlelit lobster dinner in with my laptop, I’d head out for a boogie with the Crabs.

Well, suffice to say, it was probably the best Valentine’s evening I’ve ever had! No cheesy lines, heart-shaped chocolate or overcrowded restaurants, just pure jumped-up rock with four quality performers and a load of cheerful people having a hell of a good time.

As soon as the Crabs got onstage they urged the whole crowd to move closer, and within five minutes everyone was clapping and laughing. Vocalist Ben English was an absolute legend onstage, jumping up and down and giving it like a young Mick Jagger. They dedicated my favourite song ‘Milk Carton Kid’ to a friend and everyone, including me, sung along. The myth that Brighton crowds are often irresponsive and remain still throughout gigs was proven wrong: I witnessed a very public display of mass boogying tonight and happily joined in.

Despite a rubbish sound system, the boys were musically up-to-scratch and gave a star quality performance. Even our usually-composed photographer Rob couldn’t stop grinning! I fell in love with the tasty Laser Crabs on Valentine’s Day. Who said romance was dead?

Come and shake your pincers to the Crabs the next time they’re on – keep an eye on www.myspace.com/lasercrabs.