Even before the lights went down, the surge started.

About 1,000 people on the floor heaved forth to catch a glimpse of Chris, Justin, Joey, JC and Lance -- otherwise known as 'N Sync -- last night at the Max Bell Centre.

But when the lights finally dimmed, many of the 3,000 fans were surprised to see not five nubile, young Florida men, but four curvaceous British women, who were suspiciously monikered 'N Tyce. ("Entice." Get it?)

They sang.

They danced.

They came across like Four Scary Spices -- without the charisma.

To their credit, 'N Tyce somehow managed to warm up the mostly young female audience with their uninspiring, 20-minute R&B- and funk-filled set.

Fortunately, the 'N' band everybody came to see faired better.

Looking like spacemen wearing white suits and white helmets, the five 'N Syncs strode onstage to a techno version of Darth Vader's Theme from Star Wars.

As the suits and helmets were removed to reveal the oh-so-dreamy guys, the screams that filled the venue nearly shook its foundations.

Though they hate to be compared to fellow Florida vocal group The Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync's moves, looks and onstage personalities are very similar, if not quite as polished.

A little like Backstreet Jr., maybe.

The show came complete with the usual cliches: "Hello, Cal-grrr-eee!" "You're the loudest crowd we've had so far," and the best, "This song is dedicated to the special people in our lives -- and that includes YOU!"

Me, really?

You must be joking!

But they were nice enough to introduce themselves and thank the crowd for showing up.

Judging from the screams, Justin seems to be the one who has the most promise for a solo career.

It was during I Want You Back that the audience really went mental.

Some of the girls dancing around had better moves than some of the 'N Sync guys.

The Max Bell was hot and humid and several people had to be treated for heat exhaustion.

But that was a small price to pay for seeing one of the hottest teen groups in pop music today.