British indie-rock band Foals have come a long way since their 2007 release “Hummer” first tore through the U.K. airwaves. Now fresh off the back of a stellar performance at Wembley Arena—which, with its 12,500-person capacity, is one of the country’s largest purpose-built music stadiums—the five-piece band are finally preparing to break North America.

But while English indie enthusiasts might expect Foals to be headlining Vancouver venues like B.C. Place or Rogers Arena, the group has instead chosen to build its fan-base from the ground up. Downsizing its shows by 11,500 people, next week sees the band make the leap from the U.K.’s premier music venue to the, ahem, Commodore Ballroom.

Doubtless, the Granville Strip is a slightly less glamorous destination than Wembley. But the band’s choice to play smaller clubs has already proven to be a great decision.

First performing at the Commodore in 2010, Foals struggled at the box office. Now returning to the venue six years later, the group are slated for two back-to-back shows. With the first date already sold out, and with resale tickets for the second priced at around $80 USD on Stubhub, the band’s intimate live show is proving to be one of the most sought-after events in town—and for good reason.

Nominated this year for the coveted “Best British Group” award at the Brit Awards, Foals’s recommendation pitted the band against Coldplay (who just played the Super Bowl), Blur (who started a whole new musical movement), and One Direction (who, for some reason, have 39 million likes on Facebook.)

Which basically means that if you managed to snag a ticket for one of next week's two shows, you’re in for a real treat. Or it’s time to set up a Stubhub account.

Foals play the Commodore Ballroom on Sunday and Monday (August 7 and 8).