Little Dragon / Nao @ O2ABC, Glasgow, 23 November

Before Little Dragon’s set has even commenced, they’re already demonstrating telepathic awareness of what their fans are in the mood for. Fittingly, support act Nao isn’t taking anyone’s shit; shredding through any aloofness from the moment her splayed silhouette appears through violet smoke. A regal gaze held above the crowd, Nao enraptures with an athletic vocal performance of funk and grime, soul and synth, furiously upstaging herself with every song. Each break and drop is illustrated with bodily undulation and rotation; rehearsed but not contrived. Unfazed by her band’s flinches when she bravely teaches the chorus of So Good (the song which originally won Little Dragon’s attention), Nao’s set closes with charm, leaving the audience stunned and grateful to LD for the heads-up.

Next, the moody drones characteristic of Nabuma Rubberband creep around the vaulted roof, and searchlights stroke a blacked-out stage in pursuit of Little Dragon. Front-woman Yukimi Nagano emerges and clasps the microphone between white latex gloves, slipping into a spotless performance of Mirror that initiates an effortless slalom between recent, darker material and older numbers like Test and Crystal Film.

There’s always the risk that live electronica might sound surgically similar to the record which, although diligent, is anticlimactic. But more should be expected from artists with touring experience as rich as LD’s. Classic tracks segue into interludes swallowed by flaming lightshows, the steadfast vocals irresistibly balance organic chilly trills with familiar smoothness. And when she’s not stealing Erik Bodin’s drumsticks or teasing Weinstrander at his keyboard, Nagano holds a childlike command of the room. Playfully taking the crowd hostage with her tambourine, she dances maniacally enough to encourage even the coyest of bar-flowers to dance. Ritual Union administers the punch-drunk crowd yet another shot, and the room jigs their way through the last portion of the set. An immense outro is extinguished by the encore – a brooding performance of Twice. This subdues some and disappoints others, but leaves most thankful for a cool-aid to this most dynamic night of showmanship from the Swedes. [Kate Pasola]