THERE has been quite a buzz building about the Courteeners for some time now.

In an indie music era high on inventive and progressive bands from both sides of the Atlantic like Foals and MG MT, the middle-market stodge rock scene has been a little neglected.

With only The Enemy making any real sustained impact in the lad-rock bracket for 2007, step forward 2008’s Manchester-based contenders, The Courteeners. Early single Not Nineteen Forever received generous radio airplay, and duly ensured a healthy crowd at the Carling Academy.

Starting with second single Acrylic, The Courteeners didn’t seem to have to do much to earn the enthusiastic admiration of the crowd.

Singer and guitarist Liam Fray is not short on confidence, and was comfortable whipping out the whole clichéd range of front-man moves.

But he didn’t have to try hard, and everyone seemed happy enough with his Pete Dougherty-esque vocals and Liam Gallagher mix of bravado and insouciance.

Fray can’t be accused of lack-ing the necessary vocal power, though, and showcased his undeniable talent when he brought on a violinist for a two-song solo spot.

And the set, consisting of songs from fast-selling debut album St Jude, picked up from there with the introduction of catchy Not Nineteen Forever and Zane Lowe-championed What Took You So Long. Ultimately, there was not much to think about (or really dance to), but, for people who like their guitar music simple, catchy and safe, The Courteeners will go down a treat.

At just an hour, these Middleton, Manchester-born and bred boys will likely go from strength to strength via a summer festival baptism of fire which is likely to make them into near-household names.