QUITE why these Minnesota muscle-poppers haven't found the fame and fans on this side of the pond that others like Weezer, Fall Out Boy or We Are Scientists have is a bit of a mystery.

MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK

The Underworld,

Camden High Street, NW1

QUITE why these Minnesota muscle-poppers haven't found the fame and fans on this side of the pond that others like Weezer, Fall Out Boy or We Are Scientists have is a bit of a mystery.

Relentless touring has earned them a dedicated fanbase alright, judging by the fist-pumping moshpit, the odd crowd-surfer and almost every line being sung back at them tonight.

This warm-up for their Reading and Leeds Festival shows finds the band super-tight, relaxed and ploughing through 13 years of pop-punk and melodic college rock nuggets you'd have trouble picking out of a line-up of US teen drama soundtracks.

"Am I pretty?" asks endlessly chipper singer/guitarist Justin Pierre, who could moonlight as the older brother of The Big Bang Theory's Leonard. "I have to fish for compliments now."

It's apparent that, having left behind their college days as long ago as most of the audience, it's the quips and wry lyrical turns, recalling Ben Folds, that has kept audiences coming back for more.

A furiously-played encore reveals a more exciting edge, proving there's much fun to be had as a Motion fan.

- STEPHEN MOORE