Jockstrap @ Stereo, Glasgow, 30 Sep

London duo Jockstrap are turning heads for all the right reasons. The release of their debut album I Love You Jennifer B last month has ignited a wave of album of the year calls; its musical dexterity is wholly effervescent. Sexually charged lyrics are approached through a modernist, autobiographical lens across the album. But at Jockstrap’s core is the playful enjoyment of duo Georgia Ellery and Taylor Skye, who get their kicks from making music that feels wholly new.

The cavernous industrial aura of Stereo, on Glasgow’s Renfield Lane, feels like an ideal setting for Jockstrap to showcase their new material in a live setting. It's a sold-out Friday night show, and anticipation is high as the curiously energetic support act, Babymorocco, gets the party started. The self-confessed ‘pioneer of phat trax’ produces a hyperpop-tinged set brimming with nightcore edits. Some of the crowd shift tentatively, others at the front are right in the mood. Either way, Babymorrocco cannot be branded as a dull support act.

At 8.30pm, it’s still relatively early in the night as Jockstrap stroll on to the stage. The crowd jostles forward for a closer look as Ellery grasps the mic. Skye sits stage right surrounded by synths while Ellery makes the stage her own with her tender vocals and engaging theatrics. As the music begins to flow, the wonderful mix of people in attendance become in sync with the variety-laden music on display.

Jennifer B comes first, the intricate vocal melodies just as endearing as they are on the record, if not more so. Greatest Hits follows, with Ellery reminiscent of early Kate Bush as she elegantly swirls around her long, curly locks. There is an understated sexual tension in the room as the set progresses, with Ellery’s switches to violin and acoustic guitar also bringing nice variety at points.

Dynamic depth is part and parcel of any great live performance and Jockstrap orchestrate this in abundance. The upbeat energy of Concrete Over Water is infectious while the headbanging interludes of Neon are visceral and gritty. But it’s the quieter moments of the set that are the most awe-inspiring. Lancaster Court brings Ellery’s vocals to the fore; almost operatic with vibrato displays and intricate vocal sequences. However, the seamless transition from this into the Björk-esque track Angst is stunning. You can hear a pin drop as the sell-out crowd hushes into silence. The delicate sounds of a harp and Ellery’s vocals combine to take complete command of the room. One of the biggest rounds of applause arrives come its conclusion, and deservedly so.

Of course, there is one moment that everyone anticipates before arriving to the show – Jockstrap’s rendition of their track Glasgow. A few keen ears immediately cheer as Ellery strums the opening chords on her acoustic guitar. She can’t help raising a wide smile as she’s joined in at the chorus with the backing of the Stereo audience (despite the lyrics actually talking about not coming to Glasgow, but evidently, nobody cares).

As the strobe lights kick into action for a high-octane finale of 50/50, the duo exit the stage leaving everyone in a buoyant mood. Their set is magnetic from start to finish, and the dark intimacy of the venue allows everyone to connect with their music’s unpredictable turns that are laced with sophistication. Jockstrap will no doubt be playing at larger venues come their next round of touring, but to catch them on the cusp of their rapidly rising reputation is nothing but a treat.