Efterklang @ Òran Mór, 24 Feb

There is a theory developed recently, on this very night to be precise, that Efterklang are a new breed of cult, growing larger by the day. Like many cults, they use music to draw unsuspecting members of the public in, urging them on to synchronised dancing, clap-alongs and joyful singing, and these members of the public seem all too happy to participate, judging by the sea of smiles in evidence here. Well, that’s one theory, anyway.

In lieu of a support act, Efterklang open with a showing of An Island, a movie crafted by themselves and Parisian filmmaker Vincent Moon. It's a move that could appear arrogant or pretentious, yet it fits perfectly with the relaxed atmosphere and does an admirable job of preparing the crowd for tonight's performance. When they do finally reach the stage, it’s a joyous experience – a communal celebration of life through the media of anthemic indie-pop and their patented percussion.

Chief practitioner is Casper Clausen, not only primary vocalist – where he does an accomplished job of energising both the band and audience members – but he’s also an unstoppable drum machine. Toms, drum pads, ceilings, keyboard stands:  if he can elicit some kind of tone from it, he will. But even Clausen knows when to hold back – Mirador in particular benefits from his admirable restraint. It all goes a bit Mogwai at the show’s closing: a last-minute epic escalation of guitar cementing the moment. But when a performance is so potent in its own right, there’s no need for blunt force. [David Bowes]