A packed Cabaret Voltaire awaits British Sea Power as they assemble on stage at the rather early time of 8.45 pm. As the first chords of set opener 'Remember Me' ring out, there are still dozens of eager fans squeezing themselves into the venue, and the temperature rockets accordingly.

While not so great for those stuck at the back, these conditions usually bode well for a great British Sea Power performance: this band thrives in claustrophobic environments, and is renowned for whipping their audience into such frenzy that near rioting often ensues. Although if you were confronted with a seemingly deranged singer bellowing “Gymnastic whores down on all fours with septic balls from fucked up whores!” you might be somewhat edgy as well.

The truth is that British Sea Power are the Jekyll & Hyde of popular music. Their earlier material ranges from the grandiose, to the peculiar, to the downright bizarre. In more recent times, BSP have left many of these eccentricities behind and concentrated more on the sort of accomplished, sweeping rock tunes that The Cure forgot how to write a long time ago. This calmer, more reflective side of BSP is very much the equal of their more aggressive material. Its only when the band play live that you can fully appreciate how these contrasts combine to create something very special. This progression is similarly evident in how the band look: three years ago, they resembled a bunch of Great War deserters. Tonight, their chosen look is more 1950s man-about-town.

Tonight's set is a pleasing mix of BSP's back catalogue, liberally laced with a half dozen songs from their long awaited new album, due early in the new year. The undoubted highlight of the evening, however, is a blistering version of 'Fear of Drowning', a song that doesn't quite fit either of BSP's competing personalities. Judging by the new material on offer, it's this middle way the band are intent on exploring. In the meantime—as set closer 'St Louis' roars to life—let's all whip ourselves into a frenzy one last time.