Added appeal

Which is perhaps less than helpful.

So who exactly are these young upstarts from Brighton, and why are they causing so much excitement among scene watchers wise enough to know better?

People like Vice magazine, who chose Maths Class as the only band to play both nights of their Spanish launch party. Or bands of the calibre of Blood Red Shoes and Oxford darlings Foals, who picked them for recent support slots.

For frontman Tim Sketchley, the answer is simple. "It's all about playing fast music that people can get into," he grins.

"The crowd have to be able to dance, have a good time and join in with what we are doing.

"We're not the kind of band who would get on stage and just play. We try and get everyone involved. And as long as they're having a good time, so are we!"

Influenced by a broad range of bands and styles, Maths Class combine an obligatory hint of math rock alongside fast-paced techno beats and driving bass lines.

It's all exhilarating stuff. And like so many of the best things in life, the story begins in Yorkshire.

Tim cut his heels in Leeds, before moving to Brighton with old friend, and long time collaborator, Piers Cowburn, to start a band. There they met Didcot guitarist Andy Davies - who had also moved to the South Coast - along with drummer Richard Tipton and bassist Al Damms.

There they perfected the jangling guitars and frantic drumming which forms the backbone of their trademark sound - one which owes more than a nod to Oxford bands Youthmovies and the aforementioned Foals.

And as for the name? Tim admits it's more the product of a fertile imagination than a reference to any mathematical prowess. Not that he'd wish to discourage punters testing their arithmetic.

"I thought of it while I was at work," he says. "At the time, we were going through different names, and that one just rolled off the tongue. I thought it sounded quite cool.

"None of us are mathematicians though," he admits. "I only got as far as GCSE... but if anyone wants to fire off a question, I'll give it a go! Though, I'll probably end up just looking blank and pass it over to Andy or Piers.

"But if there are any other, non-mathematical, problems people want us to sort out, I'll gladly have a listen. We like to be able to share our knowledge!"

Oxford gig-goers will have a chance to put their powers of trigonometry to the test when the lads take the register at The Cellar, tomorrow. The show will be a special one. Not only is Oxford one of their favourite destinations, the band naturally have many friends here - particularly Andy, who is celebrating his 21st birthday.

"We are really excited about it," says Tim. "We are the kind of band that plays off people who like to party. So if you are 'up for it' you can expect us to go one step further.

"And if anyone wants to buy Andy - or the rest of us - an alcoholic drink, I'm sure we'll be in no position to turn it down."

The show is the latest instalment of the venue's Mark of Zorro nights, presented by Oxford photographer Marc West.

And what can the crowd expect? "They're gonna have a great time," laughs Tim.

And, unlike your maths classes of old, this time there'll be no nodding off: "We don't want to see anyone sleeping at the back," he warns. "Anyone nodding off can expect to get a slap!"

Support comes from the famously talented George Pringle, and Brighton's DJ Tomtron. Doors open at 8pm and the party continues until 3am. Tickets are an absurdly reasonable £4.