That Britpop revival? It’s already started, mate. The Utopiates are leading the way and hitting Sunderland this March.

What is Britpop? I’ve heard everyone from Radiohead to The Spice Girls being slapped with that label, along with just about every other outfit in Britain who plied their trade during the 1990s. But I think we can boil Britpop’s essence down to a punchy melody, a guitar riff you can hang your hat on, and plenty of guitars. Oh – and usually a whole bunch of blokes. There are plenty of blokes in The Utopiates – I make it five – and they certainly know how to bang out a ringing, dinging riff. The band, who only really came to the fore last year, have already won the backing of legendary BBC Radio 6 Music DJ Steve Lamacq, and Radio X’s John Kennedy, and their clutch of EPs and singles are stuffed with poppy guitar hooks galore. But are they the next Oasis/Blur/Pulp or the next Menswear? Find out when they swing by Sunderland this March. GM

The Utopiates, Friday 31 March, Independent, Sunderland, 7.30pm, £8. independentsunderland.com