MAUPA seem to have let go of all they once held dear and the results are shocking.

Taking on the headline or 'last on' spot at the Night and Day can be the ultimate curse for any group playing away from home.

As regulars think about calling it a day or moving on, the final band can easily find themselves playing to a rapidly emptying bar.

But that was never going to be the case with Maupa, whose electrifying performance held every one of the packed club captivated for their 40-minute set.

With songs that are always well crafted and intricate, the multi-member band - from Clayton-le-Moors - now boast an energy and sense of urgency that makes them irresistible.

Even singer/guitarist David Boon, who once seemed embarrassed at the mike, has matured into a frontman with the charisma to take on the most hostile audience. But it's the way they shake up the songs like never before that seems to go against the grain.

Boon started the numbers in much the way he used to: gentle and almost Coldplay in style. But as the verses progressed so did anger, energy and distortion, with many tracks finishing with guitar wielding antics not unlike those of the late Joe Strummer during his days with The Clash.

Last time I saw Maupa it was music for the purist, to the point of being over indulgent.

Now they remain rooted in a rich stream of free-flowing melodies but with the ability to rock out at will.

With their debut album coming out on a true indie label later this year, if it's true the Great British public really do love the underdog, then Maupa are destined for good things.

CLIVE LAWRENCE