alt-J could easily be one of those bands which sounds almost identical live as on CD. The awesome package of distinctive vocals, carefully-crafted riffs and stomach-flipping beats needs little improvement.

But with a few added bongo beats and xylophone taps, appreciation grew for the four-piece. Lead vocalist Joe Newman starting to play the wrong song alone was a refreshing reminder that the incredible sound was live.

Modestly lined across the front of the stage, the musicians spent most of the night shrouded in darkness as the phenomenal and varied light show silhouetted them.

Throbbing red lights and the occasional electric blue flashes set the atmosphere for the opening of the sinister Hunger Of The Pine, the strong and dirty bass powering the palpable excitement.

From there it was an easy ramble through popular Fitzpleasure and Something Good. Between every song the stage was lit only with eight white lights, emphasising the large black expanse, perfectly contrasting and enhancing the musical and visual treat either side.

The encore included a teasingly slow and sultry version of Bill Withers' Lovely Day and Breeze Blocks.

"This is the biggest gig we've ever done in our lives", confessed keyboardist Gus Unger-Hamilton as the modesty of their incredibly success continued. It certainly won't be the biggest of their musical careers.