In reality it's a little over two years, but the 'Heads have been through a lot since then.

They've released the follow-up to a critically-acclaimed debut album, seen it fall flat on its backside, and suffered the indignity of being dumped by their record label.

But the lads have taken time out to regroup, go it alone for their make-or-break third album, and, I'm pleased to say, pen some cracking songs.

This intimate gig at Stage 2 was an immediate sell-out, showing they still have a loyal following in the north-east at least.

There was no intro music or convoluted lightshow, they just walked on, plugged in, and reminded us all why we all fell in love with them in the first place.

Frontman Barry Hyde invited the audience to "put your dancing shoes on ladies and gentlemen", and the few hundred lucky ticket-holders needed no second bidding.

They opened with their best song, Decent Days And Nights, and although I was a little surprised they'd tossed it away before warming up properly, it set the mood nicely.

One of the clutch of new songs they aired was next, Broke Up The Time, and it sounded in all its buzzsaw-guitar glory like the Buzzcocks circa 1979.

It promises to be one of the standout tracks of the forthcoming third album, but is available to download free now here if you can't wait.

Think Tonight, Radio Heart and lead single The Beginning Of The Twist also stood out from the new material, which promises a real return to form after the disappointing News And Tributes.

I listened to their self-titled debut on the way to the gig, and had forgotten what a good record it is. If you haven't listened to it for a while, put it on, and see what I mean.

Plenty of old favourites from it featured in the hour-long set: A To B, Meantime, Hounds Of Love, He Knows, and Stupid And Shallow.

There were casualties though: Le Garage, Robot, Alms and First Day were notable by their absence, though Piece Of Crap made for a lively encore.

Strangely, however, my favourite song of the night was probably Skip To The End, from the much-maligned second album.

On the evidence of this storming performance, it won't be long before The Futureheads are filling Academy-sized venues again.

*New single The Beginning Of The Twist is released on Monday (March 10) and The Futureheads are making two in-store appearances to promote it.

They'll be signing copies and doing an acoustic performance at HMV in Sunderland at 12.30pm, and at the store's Newcastle branch at 6pm.
GARY WELFORD