They are the latest in a long line of indie bands predicted to be the next big thing, but their rise to fame has so far been a relatively slow one.

I first saw them at T Mobile Transmission at the Glass Centre in Sunderland, and was impressed with their ability to get a reaction from even the smallest of crowds.

So at a venue like Newcastle Uni, with a packed crowd all demanding a performance, could they deliver as headliners?

The answer was an unequivocal yes, as they have a stage presence that demands your attention, grabs you by the throat, holds you up, and makes you thankful for the experience.

Frontman Liam Fray, who hogs the limelight and soaks up the energy of the crowd, led the band through a set that didn't let up for a second.

The band were loud without overpowering their singer, and the anything-goes party atmosphere was like watching a punk band at times.

Their songs contain some fantastic lyrics, but their problem seems to be that they don't have one big tune that stands out from the rest.

Everyone was waiting for a show-stopper, a tune they'd all recognise and be able to holler back at the band.

And while Not Nineteen Forever and No You Didn't, No You Don't came close, they didn't quite hit the spot.

The Courteeners' big test will surely come at this year's V Festival.

Not everyone will know them before they take to the stage, but I guarantee that with another performance like this, they will when they leave it.

Fray has compared himself the likes of Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys and Mike Skinner of The Streets, but he has a long way to go before he can match them.

For the moment the band should be prepared to heed their own advice and bide their time, as they appear capable of much bigger and better things.

I have no doubt we'll be hearing a lot more from The Courteeners. Watch this space.