Back home in Ireland, the Frames are superstars. Their albums top the charts and they can fill stadiums with rabid fans who sing along to every song.

But in America the band is still struggling to establish itself. It has its best shot yet with its latest album, "Burn the Maps," an impressive, eclectic collection that shows that the group excels in the kind of passion and drama exemplified by U2, a band the Frames are often compared to. Romantic tension is an overriding theme on the disc, with songs of regret, acceptance and anger.

A better example of what to expect when the Frames headline tonight at the Croc, however, is its previous disc, "Set List," recorded live at one of those stadium shows. The CD captures the compelling showmanship of Glen Hansard, the founder, lead singer and linchpin of the band, which he started in 1990. He's an engaging frontman who tells funny stories, randomly throws in cover tunes in the middle of one of his own, encourages the audience to participate, and shows both tender and hard-rocking sides of himself. He can sing a sweet pop song, à la Coldplay, or a twisted revenge song, like something from Nine Inch Nails. His songs often start slowly and build to dramatic climaxes.

Concert preview

The Frames, Mark Geary and Tim Seely, 9 tonight, the Crocodile Cafe, 2200 Second Ave., Seattle; $12 (866-468-7623 or www.ticketweb.com; information: 206-441-5611 or www.thecrocodile.com, www.theframes.ie).

There's a touch of R&B in some of the songs, an influence that goes back to the days of the Commitments, the band and the film of the same name. Hansard put his band aside for about a year as he completed his role as one of the band members, including playing some live gigs. The hit film gave his band a big boost in Ireland.

Also on tonight's bill is fellow countryman Mark Geary, a passionate singer-songwriter, and Tim Seely, a local singer-songwriter, formerly of the band Actual Tigers.

Patrick MacDonald: 206-464-2312 or pmacdonald@seattletimes.com