It may be their first time in Huddersfield but Americans Arliss Nancy pull a strong, curious crowd for their debut.

Word going around is the band are cut from the same cloth as US bands such as Lucero and Gaslight Anthem and by looking at the T-shirts in the crowd I think this could be a fair assumption.

Before the headliners , a treat by three of Huddersfield’s finest. Johny Gibson open in fine style with acoustic, folk tinged songs of heartbreak and redemption. He was followed by the always-on-form Leo Brazil and His Twitch. The ever expanding line-up now boasts trumpet, accordions and fiddles. This is music to get everyone dancing. Main support was from Huddersfield folk/punk two-piece Doghouse Reilly, also making their Parish debut. They certainly gained new fans.

Then it was left to the headliners. The five-piece Arliss Nancy boast strong beards and warming personalities, which straight away paint smiles across faces.

What followed in 60 minutes was the finest alternative, country soaked, punk rock and roll you are ever likely to hear. They played from the heart, full of soul.

Singer/guitarist Cory Call belted each word out like his life depended on it, his voice not a million miles away from sounding like Bruce Springsteen.

The quintet from Fort Collins, Colorado, looked to enjoy the night as much as the crowd – keyboardist Chris Love shouting over to his mates after one song ‘this is great’. And great it was. Better than great. The band finished and the crowd wouldn’t leave, clapping and cheering until they played one more.

Arliss Nancy made a lot of new friends and when they return in early 2014 I have no doubt everyone in attendance will have spread the word .