We dared to do it. Not the least uncomfortable in getting our kit off and baring all before strangers. In fact, a real pleasure. It's the end of 2002 and are playing a couple of gigs in their smallest ever incarnation. Two people? What kind of group is that? Read on if the idea does not appal you.

It became just too much bother to include part-time MDR people for these gigs so the time was right for the rest of the band to play a little. Stripped down? Too right, mate. Lots of space in the sound, lots of simpler rhythms, lots of room for the lyrics to work...and it does. Very, very nice. Surprisingly, there's considerable venom in the band, lots of drive, lots of 'who do we need but us' about what they do. MDR stand out in a different way, they are playing rock gigs but as something quite different. It's good, it's very good.

And could this be a long term thing, this playing as a skeletal band? Maybe not but it's good that it is there as an option when the hair shirt is required. Who else would dare to play like this? No, I can't think of anyone either. It's just one of the things that could make great. And as this piece is being written Channel Four have MDR as one of their tips for the 2003. No big deal - you knew that before they did. Yes?