John Grant @ Albert Hall, Manchester, 10 Feb

John Grant’s most recent album, Love is Magic, threw something of a curveball, even for long-term fans. All the fundamental elements were still present – floor-shaking electronica, tongue-in-cheek lyrics and soaring keyboard-led ballads – but this time around, Grant opted to somewhat deconstruct his sound. He rearranged the proven components, piecing them back together in a disorderly fashion, while accentuating his much-loved idiosyncrasies. And why the hell not? Having previously released three records to great acclaim and adoration, this is arguably a luxury he has been afforded.

Tonight, Grant performs his second show at the Albert Hall in little over three months, having already toured late last year. He takes to the stage in a glam rock trucker ensemble, complete with a peaked cap and red Doc Martens with a blue, glittering superhero mask painted on his face. Accompanied by his incredible backing band, he kicks off proceedings with the slow-building synth layers of Tempest from his latest release, which becomes increasingly haunting before switching to an attack of Space Invaders-like arcade sounds. It's a fitting example of where the former Czars member now sits musically, flitting between beautiful arrangements and headache-inducing sounds, but ultimately a joy to behold.

Shortly afterwards, songs such as JC Hates Faggots, Smug Cunt and Preppy Boy take aim at the preferred targets of Grant’s humour, with the latter track a highlight of the set and the moment where everyone in attendance truly finds their groove. The excellent Is He Strange is a simple, low-key song which lets the singer’s voice do the hard work, interrupted only briefly by flashes of left-field noise. Its performance is rightly stopped halfway through while Grant ensures that a young lady in the crowd is safe and well after collapsing. His fans gratefully applaud his concern (thankfully, she's fine) and he picks up where he left off, showing himself to be both a gentleman and a pro.

The pulsating bass of Black Belt shakes the venue, before the captivating vocals of Glacier soar over the audience, providing them with the highest of highs. It appears that this is the inevitable closing point of the main set, but Grant and his band continue, finishing with Queen of Denmark, which is heavy and fun, but not quite as smooth and satisfying.

Love is Magic begins the encore and the evening’s regrettable end. The title track of his latest album offers a real-world view of music’s favourite subject matter: 'Love is magic / Whether you like it or not / It isn’t so tragic / It’s just a lie that you bought'. These bittersweet lyrics sit atop well-constructed layers of electronic sounds, allowing the audience to drift away to the hedonistic landscape they create. The night closes with Outer Space – a mellow and surprisingly subtle finale from his debut album.

Grant’s current setlist is a mixed bag of tricks. Its new material strengthens the arsenal of idiosyncrasies at Grant’s disposal, while simultaneously adding to the fundamental appeal of his music. It seems that his recent gamble has paid off.