Monday night’s Del Amitri performance at People’s was extraordinary at the very least. Reveling in the success of their current album, Twisted, Del Amitri showcased their talent as a band that refuses to give in to labels. Sometimes called an alternative band, but more commonly dubbed a pop group, they held their own as a crackin’ rock ‘n’ roll machine.

The sell-out crowd was treated to favorites, both old and new, such as “Always the Last to Know” from 1992’s Change Everything LP and Twisted’s “Roll to Me.” The roof nearly came down when the familiar pounding of the Beatles’ “Come Together” was belted out, no doubt in a tribute to the fab four to whom Del Amitri are often compared.

The two encores brought back more retro-Amitri with the hit “Kiss That Thing Goodbye,” and more notable favorites “Here and Now” and “Driving With the Brakes On.” Yes, by show’s end the bottle of tequila present on stage had neared emptiness and Ames had a place in their heart for these Scottish lads and their Twisted ways.

But let’s go back to the beginning, or should I say the opening. Warming up a crowd in Ames is no easy task, especially for an unknown group from Newark, Del. But The Caulfields managed to dispel the temporary rigor mortis that enveloped the People’s patrons and ever so cautiously enticed them towards the stage.

Promoting the release of their first major label record, whirligig, The Caulfields have been on the road since February and have been touring with fellow A&M artists Del Amitri for the past seven weeks. After a stint of five more weeks in the United States, it’s off to Australia where the single “Devil’s Diary” is climbing the charts.

And just how did this quartet from Delaware, who have only been together since 1992, reach the brink of stardom so quickly?

“We were hawking our demo tape at local shows and got lucky,” said John Faye, lead singer and rhythm guitarist.

Based on that demo tape and a single live audition, A&M signed The Caulfields and released whirligig. Produced by Kevin Moloney (Sinead O’Connor, Judybats, Ocean Blue), whirligig offers intelligent songs that don’t skimp on the pulse-pounding guitar.

“Our sound is loud alternative with some pop,” bassist Sam Musumeci said. He said their single “Hannah I Locked You Out” can be heard on Monday’s episode of “Melrose Place” and is also featured on the Babysitters Club soundtrack.

The usual grueling on-the-road life had yet to take its toll on The Caulfields. “For us, touring with Del Amitri is a great chance to play to big crowds,” Musumeci said. “And we really enjoyed Ames. The audience was very receptive.”

You can hear the electrifying, power pop sounds of Faye, Musumeci, lead guitarist Michael Simpson and drummer Ritchie Rubini when The Caulfields headline a tentatively scheduled performance at People’s in November.