FROM Hollywood to a down and dirty rock venue in Southampton – make no mistake, Juliette Lewis didn’t have to be at the Talking Heads.

Nevertheless, after splitting with The Licks this year, the film star has put acting on the back burner to embark on a UK tour with new band, the New Romantiques.

The gig might have got off to a sluggish start but Juliette showed that she’s a formidable female in the world of rock.

At times, you could be forgiven for thinking she carried the rest of the band (except the drummer), who often looked pedestrian. But it’s probably hard not to when you’re performing with Lewis – her enthusiasm is boundless.

Fantasy Bar and Hot Kiss were the obvious set highlights, raising the temperature and reminding us just how amazing her voice can be.

The likes of Got Love To Kill and Speaking My Language saw Lewis sell herself a bit short – not quite hitting the notes we know she’s capable of, although she was drowned out by the bass.

Still the gig showed much promise for the band, especially when the set ventured into blues and funk territory.

So is it time for Lewis to give up her day job? Not just yet.