Soulful girl singers such as Adele and Duffy look set to be the rising stars of 2008, thanks in part to the huge success of Amy Winehouse.

The equally wayward Pete Doherty has undoubtedly influenced British music in recent years, too. But it remains to be seen whether his brand of ramshackle indie-rock is now on the wane.

Pete and the Pirates are a young five-piece from Reading who also possess excitable tunes informed by classic English song-writing, although they are bold enough to incorporate plenty of other influences, too.

However, their late-night performance for a listless clubbing crowd was actually a bit reticent.

Despite the presence of three guitarists, including frontman Tom Sanders, their music lacked any noticeable punch when they began with the politely jaunty Bright Lights.

"Try harder," someone bawled in frustration. And it looked as if the evening might turn awkward.

Perhaps their name is misleading, suggesting as it does a buccaneering rock outfit. In fact, Pete Hefferan, the guitarist and co-vocalist who lends his name to the group, couldn't have been less piratical, with his tiny frame and horn-rimmed glasses. And his bandmate David Thorpe hid behind his fringe for the entire gig.

Nevertheless, there was magic in their melodies and Pete and the Pirates won the crowd over as they settled into their songs. And they are genuinely good songs: next month's debut album Little Death is an indie-pop gem that deserves mainstream success.

The surging rhythms of Knots had shades of The Killers, while the demented Lost in the Woods was febrile post-punk. The finale of Mr Understanding got the best reaction, though, with the raucous tune and joint chanting vocals recalling The Libertines at their peak.

But, ultimately, this Pete and his band have got a joyously endearing sound all of their own.