Young Fathers @ O2 Academy, Glasgow, 3 Mar

As the Academy fills up quickly this evening, it's clear the crowd know they’re in for a treat. Nabbing a ticket for one of Young Fathers’ two sold out Glasgow shows wasn’t easy – and for good reason. This Scottish trio, fresh from their recent album release Heavy Heavy, are renowned for their dazzling, raw live performances. And as a Mercury Prize-winning band from just over the way, there’s a fierce pride for the Edinburgh boys done good amongst the audience tonight.

The show opens with a set of striking aesthetics that carry through to the end: dramatic ripped stage curtains, shadows, bright white strobes; a play between dark and light that creates an unnerving and exhilarating atmosphere. A freefalling vocal a capella, led by Alloysious Massaquoi is punctured by Graham Hasting’s shout of “Glasgow!” The venue erupts as 2014 single Get Up starts the gig proper – bringing with it the ferocious, insistent energy Young Fathers deliver so remarkably.

If the crowd thought this was to be primarily a showcase of the new album, then they were soon disproven. Moving from hit to hit, the band remind us of just how many catchy, percussive, and almost rave-inducing tracks they’ve created. From Queen Is Dead, to Shame, Toy, Low and In My View – the audience mosh, sing and stare in awe at a performance which is a spiritual experience, a protest, and a party all at the same time.

Image: Young Fathers @ O2 Academy, Glasgow, 3 Mar by Marilena Vlachopoulou

The crowd have clearly devoured the latest album, as new tracks such as Rice, I Saw and Geronimo are received well. A highlight for the old school fans is an emotional performance of Tape Two’s I Heard – showing yet again that this experimental group is also equipped with some of the most gorgeous vocals around.

Throughout, the play with dynamics and the control of tempo define the show. The trio are masters of energy, softening and exploding it in equal measure. And the chemistry on stage remains as addictive as it always has been – built upon a yearning for connection and the pursuit of pleasure.

Young Fathers work in juxtapositions: white and black, bright and dark, abrasive and beautiful. Tonight is the celebratory homecoming they deserve.