Some good old-fashioned indie punk rock graced the Middle East Club in Central Square on Sunday night. Three bands played their hardest and rocked out to a sold-out crowd. Apollo Sunshine, Sahara Hotnights and The Mooney Suzuki each played for about an hour.Apollo Sunshine started off the night with some tight, clean riffs. Lead singer Jesse Shane Gallagher's voice was smooth and melodic. The three-man group used interesting keyboard effects on such songs as "Mayday Disorder" and an excellent cover of The Beatles' "Helter Skelter."

Sahara Hotnights took the stage next. The four-woman band is Sweden's answer to American punk girls Sleater-Kinney. Although their songs were written in English, it was somewhat hard to understand through the Swedish accents. This did not make their performance any less enjoyable, however.

Each song was a blistering three or four minute rawk-fest, packed with loud, cracking vocals, fast drumming and piercing guitars. In songs like "Alright Alright (Here's My Fist Where's The Fight)," all of the women sang the chorus loudly, while lead singer Maria Andersson sang/screamed hoarsely.

The group introduced the song "Fire Alarm" as a "Heartbreaking power ballad," but it didn't bring the energy level down at all. "Pick Up the Speed" and "No Big Deal," were other highlights, although all of the songs sound very similar. Most of the songs they played were off their new album, "Jennie Bomb."

After their set, Andersson attempted to thank the audience but she was so out of breath she could barely speak. Just listening to the music felt like running a marathon it was so loud, fast and energetic. The four women seemed to work twice as hard as any male group to make themselves heard, and it was well worth it.

At around 11 p.m., retro-rock group The Mooney Suzuki finally began their set. Composed of four hip guys, they did not stand still for one minute. Lead singer Sammy James Jr., clad in all black and wearing dark sunglasses, seemed to be donning his "rock star accent," which sounded something like John Travolta in "Grease," but he made it work. Bassist Michael Bangs looked like Lucas from the movie "Empire Records," right down to the black turtleneck. Lead guitarist Graham Tyler was absolutely amazing, playing some scorching solos and even playing his guitar behind his head. He spent the show running around in circles, jumping up and down, and diving into the audience while still playing his guitar. Even drummer Augie Wilson played standing up.

The group, which is clearly influenced by MC5, the Stooges and the Ramones, played numerous songs from their April release, "Electric Sweat," including the song of the same name, which got the crowd very excited, as well as "In A Young Man's Mind" and "Oh Sweet Susannah," which was the closest thing to a heartbreaking power ballad all night.

The group also played songs from their first release, "People Get Ready," including Make My Way." Amid jokes about the Head of the Charles, James managed to make sure the crowd knew just how good The Mooney Suzuki was. Before their encore, James said, "The Mooney Suzuki can not save rock 'n' roll because The Mooney Suzuki never lost rock 'n' roll." The band's cocky rockstar attitude wasn't a turnoff though, it just made the audience enjoy the intimate Middle East Club atmosphere even more. By the end of the show, all of the band members (except the drummer) were playing their instruments in the midst of the excited audience.