T on the Fringe: Maximo Park @ Corn Exchange

Remember that rubbish keyboard you got for Christmas as a kid? Most of us messed around with it aimlessly before consigning it to the back of a dusty cupboard, but The Research's Russell persevered, and now he's formed a band around the humble instrument, joined by bassist Georgia and drummer Sarah. They play a set of bright, quirky pop songs, but ultimately fall into the unfortunate category of 'gimmick'.

Expectations are high though for tonight's headliners. Maxïmo Park whipped up a fuss with their debut 'A Certain Trigger' last year, but have slipped off the radar in recent months. Tonight they remind us that the hype was justified, treating fans to a blistering yet scalpel-sharp performance of favourites and new songs alike. Paul Smith – his trademark comb-over replaced by a trilby hat – is still one of the most dynamic frontmen around, writhing and star-jumping hilariously, and filling the gaps with smarter banter than the usual sullen or insincere singers are capable of. The Corn Exchange may not be the most atmospheric venue in town, but all is forgotten as Maxïmo Park break into that intro to Graffiti. Of the new material road-tested, two standouts are love song A Fortnight's Time and the lively Nosebleed. Maxïmo Park leave Apply Some Pressure until last, rounding off a superlative gig with a storming song. [Nick Mitchell]