The Wombats @ Johnny Brenda’s.

Images and text by Kirsten Stamn.

The adorably scruffy indie group from Liverpool, The Wombats, made their second ever appearance in Philadelphia on Saturday with a sold-out show, opened by The Static Jacks and The Postelles.

Hailing Johnny Brenda’s as “the coolest bar,” the group rocked out to both old and new hits, making sure to take time in between songs to chit chat and display their Liverpudlian accents to their fullest extent.

The three-man band, comprised of Matthew Murphy, Dan Haggis, and Tord Øverland-Knudsen, have enjoyed smashing success since their 2007 debut album Guide to Love, Loss And Desperation. And with this year’s This Modern Glitch, which received widespread praise for its cross genre-appeal (and also a damning BBC review which pronounced that “it’s virtually unthinkable that the second album…will grace the high echelons of any end-of-year polls…”), the band seems unstoppable.

Known for their upbeat, catchy tunes that are heavy on guitar riffs, timely hooks and intense drum beats, they also feature rather insightful, introverted and melancholy lyrics that belie the dance appeal.

Playing a full set, complete with an epic encore, the band rocked the house. And dance, the crowd did.

A piece of advice: Next time they swing by town, make sure to get your ticket far in advance. These scousers put on a good show.