Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti @ Stereo, 8 November

Ariel Pink has come a long way from making music in his bedroom. Hailed as a lo-fi pioneer and championed by the likes of Animal Collective, the Beverly Hills singer now enjoys the support of a heavyweight label and a credible backing band, and such is his reputation for beguiling live performances that Stereo is packed an hour before he takes to the stage. Pink’s creations might sound a hell of a lot more polished these days, and carry all the hooks of an early ‘80s MTV hit single, but their delivery and lyrical content are often as unfathomable as The Fall at their most singular.

Take set-opener Symphony of the Nymph, from recent album Mature Themes: “I’m just a rock n’ rolla from Beverly Hills,” our host croons as he details various sexual stereotypes, all played out over a sweetly sinister accompaniment from his comparatively straight-looking band. Pink keeps his onstage antics to a minimum tonight, which you suspect disappoints a number of those in the crowd who’re here not just for the music. Even on half a tank, he still cuts an engaging figure, but while his energy levels wane as the show wears on, so ultimately does the passion of his audience. [Chris McCall]