Things have never been better for the Maccabees. They’re about to start their biggest tour to date – which is completely sold out – and they have never looked or sounded more assured than they do now. Clearly excited to be back and playing live after a few months away, the quintet bound on to the Regal’s stage and motor straight into William Powers.

Immediately it’s obvious that the band have left behind the shuffly awkwardness that marked their early gigs and have gained real stage presence. Even better, though, is just how absolutely perfect the band sound, beefed up for most tracks by a three-strong brass section. The sound is nigh on recorded quality for the entire gig, with frontman Orlando Weeks in amazing vocal form and this at what was supposed to be a warm-up gig!

The set list is principally drawn from second album, Wall of Arms, but all the early fan favourites like All In Your Rows and First Love are aired too, sounding totally barnstorming with the frenetic energy of their recorded material translating perfectly. Every song is lapped up by a bouncing crowd in such fine voice that they turn the breakdown of Precious Time into an enormous choral experience. The newer tracks go down brilliantly as well, with No Kind Words, Young Lions and a punchy Kiss and Resolve all delivered outstandingly. The band also chuck in a great cover of Orange Juice’s Rip It Up and, by the time they end with a spine chilling Love You Better everyone in the venue is in thrall to them.

The Maccabees have always had a sound of their own, even coming through, as they did, alongside a hundred other Gang of Four-aping twangy guitar bands. Their buzzsaw guitars mixed with intelligent lyricism and soaring choruses will make them stand out for years to come. This year feels like the one that sees the Maccabees turn from a good band into a great one.