There's 25 of them, they wear robes and there's a happy-clappy mood to their symphonic pop.

On one visit to New York The Polyphonic Spree were even reported to be walking the streets en masse, singing as they went.

It seems hardly surprising, therefore, that when the Polyphonic Spree first rose up the UK charts two years ago they were likened to a Hare Krishna-inspired religious cult.

"It was funny," says lead Spree man Tim DeLaughter. "It was an element to the group I'd never thought about, but the sarcasm of the UK press brought it out. I can see where it came from."

"It's not like we've adopted a certain religious power, but there is a religious overtone in the spirit that's being conveyed on stage.

"We truly are celebrating the fact that we are playing music, and we like what we're doing. Who knows, I may find ten years from now that we are a cult. The most successful rock bands, in my opinion, are cults."

The main reason for there being so many people in the band is that the sound requires many instruments.

As well as a ten-member choir, there's a pair of keyboardists, a percussionist, bassist, guitarist, flautist, trumpeter, trombonist, violist, French horn player, theremin player and electronic effects wizard.

All the more incredible is the fact that all these people first came together at three weeks notice. Tim had developed the musical vision whilst in previous band Tripping Daisy. Then in 2000 his pals Grandaddy offered him a last minute support slot to try it out.

The extra 20 musicians he needed came in all sizes and ages, and included his former bandmates Mark Pirro and Bryan Wakeland, his 17-year-old niece Kelly and various other friends and acquaintances.

"We cultivated a fine group of musicians without really seeking them out," he says. "I started getting emails, people started coming by saying: 'Tim, do you need another singer? Do you need a guy who plays trombone? I would love to be part of this.'

"I write the songs but I don't tell them what to play. I might initiate an idea and they'll follow suit, but for the most part I kind of rely on them to fill in the spaces.

"The prerequisite in this band is to be able to improvise your own parts."

The result of so many layers of instruments is an epic, ambitious and far-reaching sprawl. Euphoric lyrics such as 'Hey, it's the sun and it makes me shine' add an uplifting tone as do the catchy pop melodies, Gospel-like attitude and the visual feast of so many flowing, colourful costumes.

Such eccentric attire, Tim insists, serves the practical purpose of a uniform. "It would be too confusing if 25 people came on stage wearing normal clothes," he says, suddenly sounding more like a headmaster than a cult leader.

"The group runs like a classroom. You don't really choose the kids you're in school with -they just show up.

"There are so many differences as far as personalities go, and all these little sub-groups. It keeps us all socially lubricated and you don't have to worry about egos."

Starts 8pm, Tickets £15, Tel 01273 736222