I wouldn't be surprised if you haven't yet heard of Maximo Park. But after last night's passionate performance at The Mod Club, you're going to wish you had. Imagine the frenetic energy of Franz Ferdinand crossed with the more refined tunesmithery of Pulp.

The five-piece band from Newcastle is touring their second album, Our Earthly Pleasures, which is chock-full of intelligent songs that make you want to dance. Lead singer Paul Smith makes good use of the small stage, often jumping high in the air, clutching his mic with such gusto. You could tell he's having fun. And the crowd is too.

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If you were smart enough to get to the early show on time for the opening band, you'd have caught Monsters Are Waiting from Los Angeles, led by Annalee Fery.

Fery is an obvious focal point of the band. Standing centre-stage with a small keyboard, bright yellow and blue lights cascade onto her in her fetching satiny white dress.

She leads her four-piece band through a brief but spirited set, warming up the crowd for a more energetic show.

I catch up with Fery at the merch table between sets and I ask what it's like touring with Maximo Park. She says the crowds have been receptive and welcoming so far.

"While they've got their big, comfy tour bus," she said, "we've got our little van that runs on recycled cooking oil." Neat.

I look over at the t-shirt display and notice Maximo Park's merchandise has already sold out before they even take the stage. A sign of bigger and better things to come, for sure.

Photos by Roger Cullman.