Queuing up outside the Liverpool Barfly like a bunch of schoolchildren waiting for the bell to signify the start of the summer holidays, teenagers line around the corner until the time comes to show their ID and confirmation texts so they can be let into the most exclusive party in the country.

The venue dressed like the wildest house party you’ve ever been to and the temporary free bar, which doesn’t last long under the hoards of expectant punters. Tonight, you see, is the first showing of the first episode for the new series of Skins. A student success story and a programme that hits it target demographic quite superbly has been nothing short of a cult phenomenon. For those interested, the new episode throws up a few surprises and a cameo from inimitable Bill Bailey certainly proved popular, it is genuinely a very promising introduction for what the rest of the series has to offer, though there is one particular absence for the majority of the programme that needs addressing. But we wouldn’t want to spoil who now, would we? After the showing, gaggles of excitable youngsters run to the bar and then run back down to the theatre to see one of the ‘buzz’ bands of 2008, The Rascals. Alex Turner’s mate, lauded from journalists from the likes of NME to The Sun and Pluto alike they are already fast progressing into this year’s Monkeys.

Striding out like professionals, Miles Kane takes to the microphone and tears into the opening three minute rock blast of ‘Is It Too Late?’and then debuts new songs to the audience that are rapturously received.

The Rascals, with only one EP out thus far shouldn’t be such a strong live proposition; however Kane knows how to work an audience.With a cheeky smile here and some intense eye contact there, each and every person on this special night feels like he is singing directly to them. At the front, people are pushing and shoving to be at the front as the band launch into a barrage of explosive tunes.It’s when ‘Out Of Dreams’ introduction blares out of the PA like an indie-rock war cry that things really heat up though. An opening that sounds like ‘Teddy Picker’s slightly darker cousin and Kane screaming 'Out of dreeeaams' like Liam Gallagher on ‘Cigarettes And Alcohol’.Menacing guitar work and a feeling of urgency create a spectacle that may mark this a 'you should have been there' moment.

New single ‘Suspicious Wit’ follows next with an incessant drum beat that echoes fellow Wirral group The Coral. It’s a rallying call to arms for the masses and a song that is bound to get lapped up on the indie dancefloor circuit.

Throughout the impressive gig, Joe Edwards furiously strikes at his guitar, offering a deep bassline and Greg Mighall’s pounding drums prove undoubtedly that they will go down a storm in the summer festivals.

Whilst the band are putting a much needed energy boost into the music industry, the comparisons are bound the arise; sounding suspiciously like the Arctic Monkeys, offering a slice of Merseyside charm a la The Coral and with all testosterone fuelled angst of The Enemy, The Rascals are the sure-as-hell next big thing and likely NME favourites.

In such a small venue, artists tend to really just use their live act to get them through, but oh no, those Rascals even manage to put on a trance-inducing light show that is reminiscent of the passion of the early Libertines gigs.

Then the banflashes to thunderous applause and adulation from the awe-stricken audience.

After the show Kane and the boys come out to meet fans and enjoy the rest of the party. With praise heaped upon them from adoring supporters the band are friendly and responsive and are clearly not taking their own hype too seriously.

Although, the premiere is for the new series of Skins, instead the night was owned by three local lads who will be playing around the country in a range of small shows, which on tonight's evidence they have already well outgrown.

Lee Sentino