While most bands treat the Great Escape as a showcase for their best work and an opportunity to win new fans, British Sea Power once again went against the grain of conventional wisdom and used their appearance to test-drive work-in-progress material.

A few years ago they performed the bulk of what would be become their Mercury-nominated third album Do You Like Rock Music? inside an upside-down purple cow.

There were not as many new songs played at the Sallis Benney theatre, the first of two gigs at this year’s Great Escape, but just enough to intrigue the devout and baffle the virgins.

Brighton’s finest indie exports seem to revel in making things difficult for first-timers and this gig was no different.

Instead of using one of their many riotous punk rock tracks to kick things off with a big hobnail boot, BSP opted for a meandering version of obscure B-side Smallest Church In Sussex.

They also totally ignored their poppier, radio-friendly second album in favour of songs from debut The Decline Of and DYLRM?

Any grumbles people have had might at this were dispelled by majestic versions of Canvey Island – never has Armageddon sounded so good – the return of epic closer Lately and drummer Woody’s powerful peppering of his snare during the truly awesome Fear Of Drowning.