The collaboration of Stars of the Lid’s Adam Wiltzie and Devics’ Dustin O’Halloran might sound like a dream ticket for devotees of string-abetted US independent music, but this live performance was no occasion for ego or for taking individual bows. Before an all-seated audience, minimal classical configurations from the pair on keyboards and electric guitar and their centre-stage, inward-facing trio of violinists and cellist was the order of the evening, a smooth and relaxing balm which built a truly hypnotic edge upon its single-minded dedication to droning chords and masterfully sustained string notes.

In the semi-darkness the effect of truly irritating song titles like ‘We Played Some Open Chords and Rejoiced, For the Earth Had Circled the Sun Yet Another Year’ was negated, leaving only this wonderful music. Cemented by reverberation which shivered through the floorboards and the group’s unwavering commitment to the form they’ve created for themselves, the effect was such that the finale after little more than an hour felt very much like a rude awakening.