Yes, Morning Runner are a lot like Coldplay and Keane. But don't let that put you off.

It's all there - the euphoric, piano-driven interludes, the yearning and the melancholia - but they also do angst and clenched-fist frustration, and a compelling shadow looms over their lyrics.

The combination is darker and edgier than their influences.

The Reading-based four-piece - Matthew Greener (guitar and vocals), Tom Derrett (bass), Chris Wheatcroft (keys) and Ali Clewer (drums) are already tired of the poor man's Coldplay comparisons, but are happy to acknowledge the similarities. They also feel they bring something new to the iPod.

"I think most people have picked up on the fact that we're regular guys doing our best at this," Chris, aka Fields, says. "We want to make catchy, approachable songs which appeal to a lot of people. We're not underground indie rock heroes but we're honest. We work really hard to come up with new and interesting angles on down-to-earth subjects."

Songs like Work, for example, were written after one member's dad was laid off. "It's an odd topic but an honest one," says Fields, "and you wouldn't automatically know what's it's about."

Formed in 2003, Morning Runner were swifly signed to indie label Faith And Hope.

Fields says it was a matter of being in the right place at the right time when a chap working for Faith And Hope moved to BMG and took Morning Runner with him. A publishing deal with BMG followed which in turn provoked a flurry of promising offers, including Parlophone.

The last 12 months have included support slots with Coldplay, Ian Brown and Athlete.

"It's been very exciting and it's great having people blow sunshine up your a*** but we're aware we have a lot of work to do," Fields admits. "We're conscious things are not going to fall on our plate.

"Bands like Arctic Monkeys have had so much press coverage that their success becomes like a self-fulfilling prophecy, it just grows by itself once the ball starts rolling. We know at this stage we have to keep our heads down.

"That's why we're playing gigs all the time. We're trying to build something.

"It would be incredible to get as big as Coldplay, but I think they are a phenomenon. It's like they helped create this thing where a debut album sells millions of copies.

"I think they were the first band to become uber-successful on a first record. But they work really hard. Chris Martin is really driven."

It's a work ethic Morning Runner share, along with the same record label and a similar passion for piano. But the band's true heroes are REM. "They taught me how to play piano," says Fields. "I came from a classical background and they taught me how to experiment, improvise and write songs. They were a massive influence.

"More recently I've been listening to Sigur Ros and Ryan Adams but it's strange now we're involved in the industry. I feel much more aware of new music and how it's marketed. Listening to music has lost some of its innocence."

Doors open 8.30pm, tickets cost £7. Call 01273 64700