IT'S great when a band books a gig in a small venue, then suddenly has a Top 10 hit, guaranteeing maximum stuffage and a sense of occasion - on the night.

Even if they hadn't crashed into Number 4 in the UK with Nancy Boy, the punters would probably still have crowded into Whelans on Wexford Street at the weekend just to bask in the androgynous aura of American singer-guitarist- Brian Molko, the band's pretty-boy head honcho.

"It's nice to be back in Dublin, the place where we recorded our album," he announces, before launching into Come Home, Placebo's first, bitter, spitfiring pill of the evening.

The trio's approach is as straight as an arrow, Molko chopping the riffs with a fist of fury while bassist Stephan keeps the metal hammer oiled and new drummer Steve splatters the beats all over the walls.

It should have left the audience feeling dearly beheaded, but perhaps the sound crew was worried that Placebo's potent noise would blow the speakers, or maybe the sound was kept below ear-bleeding point so that Molko's sore throat wouldn't be overtaxed.

Despite his ravaged larynx, he still managed to keep the maimed, menacing edge in his voice, and Bionic, Teenage Angst and Bruise Pristine were pleasantly punishing bursts of anguished energy.

Last month the band played David Bowie's 50th birthday bash in New York, prompting comparisons between Molko and the young White Duke. Molko's voice, however, is more Perry Farrell than Ziggy Stardust, though I Know could be Placebo's own Rock `n' Roll Suicide.

The heated rush of 36 Degrees is nicely contrasted by the languid, lightly-scented Lady Of The Flowers, but Nancy Boy seems to bring everything to a premature, gender-confusing end.

The band returns for a single encore, Molko and Stephan swapping bass and lead guitars for a furious instrumental finale.