Cat's Eyes @ Beacons Metro, Leeds, 2 Nov

The Skinny can’t help but wonder how Howard Assembly Rooms shapes up as a venue when you’ve casually ‘broken into’ and played The Vatican, as tonight’s act Cat’s Eyes have. As a seated venue, normally home to more operatic virtuosities, the show felt vaguely theatrical, not to mention the slightly surreal moment when we encountered several saucy maids and feather boa-clad transvestites near the loos (we later established that The Rocky Horror Show was on at the neighbouring Grand Theatre).

Faris Badwan’s waxy, half spoken crooning and Rachel Zaffira’s unwavering soprano are set against a bluesy, saccharine backdrop which evokes – along with all the disco lights and wood-clad interior – a high school prom-like nostalgia. Zaffira’s voice takes us by surprise as we squint at the stage, looking for a hidden theremin on stage. Nope. Three backing singers – one of which doubles up as a trombonist, obviously – bring consistent and textured harmonies, cavorting between impish and downright angelic sounds.

Cat’s Eyes play a pleasing selection from old and new records. The Beatles-like chord progressions in new track Chameleon Queen plod on stoically with added trombone, while elsewhere there's outings for the sassier Be Careful Where You Park Your Car and eponymous old favourite Cat’s Eyes. We're also treated to a Christmassy cover of Because by those aforementioned Beatles (accompanied by some nifty hand bell work) and a slightly more haphazard but fun rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, with lead vocals undertaken by Badwan, whose unexpectedly playful stage chat with Zaffira keeps the whole show entertaining and light-hearted.