“I caught some of Millie’s hair in my mouth,” Emily Staveley-Turner said, smiling. “Harrowing,” replied sister Millie, deadpan.

The two Staves, with third sibling Jess, had broken the spell that binded a packed, devoted hall of followers inside Sussex’s architectural art-deco gift to the world captivated by the trio classified neo-folk performing  a capella around one microphone.

But the on-stage banter remained gentle self-deprecation, occasional. We all stayed largely enthralled by the music on The Staves’ first Bexhill visit.

The sisters sung tracks off new album If I Was, supported by six musicians, reflecting the layers added to the signature crystal-clear harmonies which dominate debut Dead And Born And Grown.  And their developing song-writing and pop sensibilities (Black And White).

The extra texture also gave each space to showcase individual talents as singers and multi-instrumentalists inside the collective.

DABAG was revisited and Bombay Bicycle Club covered. But the magic was in the harmonies. When Emily’s deeper, rich tones joined her sisters’ higher voices, the blend was powerful, perfect.

Reminiscent of Graham Nash adding his voice to Dave Crosby and Steve Stills to give birth to a group the sisters grew up with via their parents’ record collection. No richer praise.

Five stars.