Dominating the music world in New Zealand with their dirty guitar riffs and dynamic live shows, The Checks have come to the UK to show us they are worthy of their NME description, "on the verge of greatness".

With an explosive opening, the young crowd had no time to welcome the band to the north of England. Throwing himself at the microphone, front man Ed Knowles set the pace. Within five seconds we knew this set was going to be loud, intense, and everything you look for in a five-piece rock band.

As the singer opened with the title track from the soon-to-be-released debut album Hunting Whales, it was understandable how these lads have already supported the likes of REM and Oasis in the Southern Hemisphere.

Comparable to their fellow countrymen The Datsuns, this band have the look and the sound to achieve vast recognition in the rock/blues niche. The enigmatic Tired From Sleeping was arguably the most impressive song of the night.

Knowles brought persuasive vocals and a hypnotic stage presence, pacing up and down the stage like a boxer sizing up his opponent. His slightly bizarre charisma captured the hearts of the crowd from start to finish.

Impressing everyone with their live act and their studio material, The Checks have now attained the skills of the prolific Ian Broudie to produce their debut album.

The tour continues throughout Britain until August 4 and dates can be found on the band's website www.thechecks.net

Alex Willmott