Lamb's unique and edgy sound has always leant itself to a dynamic live performance as Louise Rhodes' celestial lyrics collide with and then rise above Andy Barlow's destructive beats. But even by their reputation Lamb's new stage act is explosive.
Firing their way through tracks from their two previous albums and the recently released 'What Sound', they lift the crowd through heavy drum and bass sequences and drop them into orchestral hip-hop. Their grip on their audience never once slackening while their control of the stage has never been so confident.
So what's happened?
As well as having an awesome live reputation, Andy and Louise have an equally public reputation for squabbling. In fact, if the stories are to be believed, they met six years ago and haven't stopped arguing yet.
The arguments and obvious differences in musical taste eventually resulted in a short lived split last year.
But their clash seems to have been cathartic and whatever problems there were are clearly resolved tonight as Andy proclaims from the stage that it wasn't until performing at venues like this and to crowds like this that the duo began to get on.
The newly sealed reconciliation is evident as the duo accompanied by a talented 3-piece band fills the venue with a grandiose energy.
After a mellow entrance with 'What Sound', the title track from the new album, and 'Heaven', it isn't long before the crowd dissolve into a frantic moche pit, courtesy of tracks 'Cottonwool' and 'B Line Lounge'.
The spacious stage, decked in camouflage netting and bathed in effects lighting, enables the band to run wild on the stage. Live wire Andy Barlow assumes his alter ego Bandy Arlow and, in the most unlikely of dance postures, starts stage diving during 'Softly', eventually disappearing for the remainder of the song.
The rock theme cracks with the beauty of 'Gabriel' and 'I Cry', while Louise Rhodes looks very much the rock chick, confidently calming the crowd with her ethereal voice and dreamy lyrics.
The funked up bass in 'Sweet' and scratchy electronica in 'Little Things' benefit from the band's wide selection of instruments such as keyboards, bongos, drums and the impressive six-ft electric double bass. There aren't many times in your life you'll witness a tattoo-drenched, skinheaded double bassist jumping in the air waving his bow like a madman.
Are they drum and bass? Industrial or electronica? Who knows and who cares? Lamb are not following the flock and prefer to graze in their own pasture. It works on record and they purely excel live. Go see.
