Watching the Wisconsin-to-Brooklyn transplant band Locksley at Chop Suey Monday night, my instant thought was “The Hives Jr.” And that’s not a bad thing at all — many have called the Hives’ act one of the best live shows currently touring.

Frontman Jesse Laz reminds me strikingly of Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist, the amp-climbing lead singer of the Hives, down to his manner of speech on stage. Not to shortchange the others, guitarist Kai Kennedy and bassist Jordan Laz do their share to add to the wildly entertaining performance.

Monday’s concert was the first time I had ever heard Locksley; it was an amazing first impression. After picking up the band’s CD, titled Don’t Make Me Wait, I was curious whether its studio-recorded material would carry the same energy of their live performance.

I wasn’t disappointed.

From the first count off on the opening track, the dangerously catchy and lighthearted harmonies and guitar riffs are easy on the ears. Flowing melodies blend into up-tempo rhythms. The result is a sound that’s both modern and instantly classic.

It’s an artfully constructed pop-rock album reminiscent of a different era, drawing on British Invasion sounds like The Kinks and The Beatles. The band’s name is actually chosen after the British village where, according to legend, Robin Hood was born.

The band’s family dynamic is amazing as well. Earlier this year the band’s original bassist Aaron Collins left the group and was replaced by Jordan Laz, Jesse’s little brother. Jordan told me, laughing, “It’s nice, because we don’t hate each other or anything — yet.” That’s very clear onstage but also clear on the album.

Locksley’s setup — Jesse Laz front and center, with his brother at his right hand and best friend at his left, backed by ruthless timekeeper Sam Bair on drums — is clearly a recipe for success. And as far as I can tell from my short conversation with them, and Rooney frontman Robert Carmine agrees, these guys love the music.

Pick this CD up in stores, on iTunes, wherever. See them live the next time you have a chance. In the words of their album-titled single, “Don’t make me wait so long. To hesitate would be wrong.”