Your code name is:Milo are having a blast at the moment. The gig bookings diary is quite full, they've got a mini album out on May 10 and they seem to be generating a bit of a buzz.

They performed a competent set and seemed to go down well with the audience. They're a likeable lot of lads, we got most of the "All roads to fault" mini album, so why did I feel like the kid in the tale of the Emperors New Clothes?

Was it the fact that the vocalist is their weakest link? Or was it the lack of originality in their music?

And although the set was livened up by three invaders on the stage with tights on their heads (members of Million Dead), their set left me not even shaken, let alone stirred.

That can't be said for Xisloaded as they've definitely got the x factor, evident from their very first number in.

There's a winning confidence in the band's performance with powerful riffs, rocky beats and indie sensibilities and then there's Jake Robertson, the baby faced vocalist and guitarist.

He's a great crowd pleaser, especially on "13 days", a slower, more emotive number which showcases his vocal talent. For me, this is the best in their set, and this is the track which will do the bizzo in taking the band further.

And further they should go, because I just love the artfully and intricate layers of sound created by Martino and Jake on guitars and Alex on bass.

Jamie on drums keeps them together so pacily and tightly and Martino creates an energising exhilaration with some inspired guitar work. If you like The Cooper Temple Clause, the Used or even Biffy Clyro, then their first album, out this summer, is worth looking out for, and their live performance is eminently watchable.

Before going on stage, Frank Turner, Million Dead's lead vocalist, looked dead on his feet. Obviously ill and exhausted, it could have been a disastrous gig for him and the band, but he got such a tumultuous welcome from an eager audience, it was like watching the resurrection.

Looking like he'd plugged into the combined energy source of the 250 strong crowd, within minutes, he'd come to life and ignited the passions of the crowd.

Mind you, Jules on bass was igniting passions of all the male members of the audience too...she's the prettiest, and one of the hardest working bass players I've seen, and obviously not there as eye candy.

She does a mean act with some inventive bass lines which complements Cameron's dirty guitar playing perfectly.

Highlight of the night was "Pornography for cowards" but the brilliantly titled "I gave my eyes to Stevie Wonder" is the chosen new single out on May 17.

It's got such verve and viciously good lyrics, it should do well. And that's where Million Dead's strength is: intelligent, articulate lyrics backed by a scatter gun, post punk wall of sound.

There was an end of term party feel to the set by now, as the stage was invaded by You code name is: Milo dressed in false beards and silly hats, and armed with foam ammo which they sprayed all over the stage and Frank Turner.

Although it was a relatively short set, the audience obviously felt they'd got more than their money's worth, and went off happy in the knowledge that their hardcore heroes are back in Leicestershire for Download on 05 June.