Fanfare Ciocarlia vs. Boban Marcovic Balkan Brass Battle, Brighton Dome Concert Hall, Church Street, May 21

It might have been an incredible night of battling Balkan brass for us, but for the two bands considered kings of the genre, this was serious stuff.

With neither band willing to be the support act, both took to the stage at once – and after a cordial handshake and a flip of the coin, we were off.

What followed was over two hours of exhilaration, enthusiasm and down-right fun as the bands took turns to outplay each other – duelling saxes, clashing clarinets and oompahs galore.

But who won?

For musicianship, Fanfare Ciorcarla edged it – Constantin Calin at times literally wringing notes from his tenor horn – but for showmanship, it was the Marcovic boys.

Led by Marco, Boban’s mesmerising, hip-shaking and beatboxing son, the outfit had the entire audience pogoing, singing and, at one point, crouching on the floor before erupting up and out into a tuba-heavy beat.

With the band musically tearing the place apart, it’s arguable the Dome has never seen an audience so buzzed, frenzied and determined to have a good time.

Proof that there ain’t no party like a Balkan party, the only drawback was the thought that all future live music experiences will never reach such lofty heights.