There's been strange goings on after dark in Londontown... we're talking of course of underground legends The Parasites, a thrilling young band from East London. Playing a blend of Joy Division and The Cramps, this garage rock outfit has taken our capital's indie scene by storm. With live shows at some points bordering on insane and tracks to match, the band are hoping to hit it in the big leagues, following in the footsteps of their idols. They've got a long way to come yet...

It's 8:58 in the evening and NME are stood outside a small London venue. Joining us are about 100 kids, dressed like indie's elite. Tonight, they're hear to see the Parasites. It's some time before we are allowed in, but the buzz outside is amazing. Though the kids are awkward, we were overwhelmed with the 'calm before the storm' type feeling we love and have been deprived of in recent years. When we are let in, we are greeted by the droning chords of the no-named support act. They played a half hour set that failed to excite anyone in the crowd. They were here for the main act, as were we.

At 10:06PM, the Parasites are late onstage. Already rumours are flashing around about broken down vans. That's when the room goes dark and an ominous drum line begins. Calmly walking on stage, almost shambling, are the Parasites. Dressed in a uniform of black skinny jeans and back-combed hair, the band have an image, imitated by members of the audience. With this image, however, there is content. This band are not superficial. Years of practicing in village halls and writing songs between lessons at school have shaped this band into what they are today. As the synth starts up and the lights in the room rise the tiny crowd go wild. The set is a blaze of distorted, echoing guitars, pounding drums. Catchy tunes are not the band's forte, instead relying on the barrier of sound they bring. A beautiful barrage of haunting vocals and over driven instruments. At times the set is slow and at other fast, the bands jerky actions on stage all too reminiscent of the shoegaze bands of the 70s and 80s.

It's not much to say that we're impressed by the band. 2010 is going to be their year, if they can just break into the mainstream...