ONE half of Bowling For Soup returned to Oxford for their second annual acoustic set that in many ways is so alien to the band's usual live performances yet comfortingly familiar.

Traditionally a four-piece pop punk whose songs stray into the comedy offering occasionally, the live electric shows are full of energy.

But the Texas band's lead singer, Jaret Reddick, and bassist, Erik Chandler, have now carried out two acoustic tours of the UK that are far more intimate in feel.

Having said that, the banter and jokes that make BFS' usual shows so entertaining are still reassuringly present.

Last April Reddick and Chandler gave the slight impression of putting their collective toes in the water to see how an acoustic set of BFS' material would go down in the UK.

This year it was a far smoother set with a real focus on giving BFS fans full value for money. Everyone at the Academy on Wednesday was there to hear the acoustic BFS songs, but Reddick and Chandler were also giving their respective side-projects - People on Vacation and the Mulberry St Socialites - an airing. Reddick collaborator Linus of Hollywood was also on the bill.

Wednesday night's performance was towards the tail-end of the tour, but both Reddick and Chandler showed little sign of fatigue.

They rattled their set, playing 20 songs, including offerings from the new album Fishin' For Woos, which is out on Monday, April 25.

The odd bum note aside, the playing was excellent and effortless, even when taking requests from the floor.

For some their song contents blind people to the band's actual playing ability but the acoustic set blows any such misconception away.