It’s mid way through advent, and a suitably twinkly stage set is rigged for James’ epic two hour set. Creeping in through the crowd; Tim Booth serenades us with only an acoustic guitar for accompaniment. Once on stage, the bright lights glisten to full, electric blue and the band launches into ‘She’s A Star’. Like many of their peers, James are experiencing a revival: and despite being on tour to promote new album ‘Hey Ma’ it’s the hits that stir those gathered. That said: when they later launch into to unprecedented electro waters, Booth quips “That’s for anyone who thought they were getting a pop band…fuck off” and there is much enthusiastic singing along with the title track.

However, James don’t deny the faithful the show they so evidently crave, even during some of the slower (and, arguably duller) numbers, it’s hard to take your eyes off Tim Booth and his bizarre dancing. ‘Born Of Frustration’, ‘I Know What I’m Here For’ are all played out. The sound of older songs and new is a rich one:  replete with an angel winged Viola player and a Trumpeter who looks a little bit like a knome playing atop a raised platform! Sitting at the top of the venue; I can’t help but laugh at the irony lost on the stone-faced security as they yell “sit down, sit down” at those around me during 90s anthem ‘Sit Down’

The real highlight is left for the encore: a perfect rendition of ‘Sometimes’ where the chorus is sung loudly by the band and crowd, and of course ‘Laid’ It’s an oddly glorious sight to behold as 20 fans get up on stage and  all start doing the weird Tim Booth dance, evidently having a ball.  They know what they are here for indeed.