When a British band is better known in the US than at home, you have to wonder why. Though US success isn't treated with the same suspicion as being big in Japan, it's easy to jump to the conclusion that what's popular over there couldn't cut it over here. But in the case of Kaito's blistering noise and cheeky insolence, the Americans simply got there first.

The US got worked up about the Norwich quartet after some well-chosen support slots and an impressive appearance at last year's South by South West music conference. Two girls and two guys prostituting their English eccentricity with an abrasive American attitude turned heads, and alternative rock fans fell for the punk Abba. Although Kaito have released two albums - the most recent, Band Red, in 2003 - finding an audience in the UK for their twiddly, playground sneers has proved trickier.

Singer Nikki Colk, with her perfect fringe and dead-eyed expression, is a goddess with a voice full of dementia. Guitarist Dave Lake's love of effects, from toy-gun bleeps to space-invader squeaks, makes for a combative atmosphere. The gentle melody of Go turns sinister under Colk's X-Ray Spex impression. Indecipherable words turn into stuttering chants under the weight of repetition, Colk's chin jolting forward for every "oh-oh"' "uh-uh"' and "hee-hee".

Lake savours the needle-like notes and heavy slide guitar of Povarina. Each fitful, fuzzy drone sees him falling to his knees and taking huge, striding leaps that leave him wobbling. The start-stop of the bass and thudding drums in Should I? pre-empt another crashing jump into chaotic chords and random exclamations. Kaito aren't easy listening. But they've got all the makings of a startling live band.

· At Buffalo Bar, London N1, on January 24. Box office: 020-7359 6191.