Local Natives, the second act on the NME’s annual trawl of fresh acts, were barely into their second number when the quintet’s smoke machines became too much, and the fire alarm brought a temporary halt to proceedings.

Standing outside while waiting to go back in did at least allow for a moment of reflection on Yes Giantess, the Boston quartet who opened the evening. Not much more than a minute was all that was required however, as while there was nothing wrong with their raved-up funk, there was something too calculated and too predictable.

Local Natives were more intriguing, especially as they were the only act who relied heavily on guitars. The sound is bruising, rough and ready rock, with a dab of the harmonies that Fleet Foxes parlayed into much attention on top. A shame then, that the set was shortened to make up time, as they showed enough to warrant further investigation.

Marina And The Diamonds are unlikely to need investigating, as ubiquitous stardom surely beckons. Drawing on 80s pop and new wave, the energetic songstress has the stage presence of a 24 carat star and although Obsessions veered close to being a sub-par Kate Nash, I’m A Robot was more evocative of her set, providing punch and sass.

A sizeable gathering of youthful teens were bunched at the front for Marina, but departed not long after Golden Silvers started to ply their dance-floor tailored psychedelic pop.

This was unfair, as the group delivered a fine display, with a creative streak in their material that suggests they will continue to impress, even once the NME machine has moved away.

Star rating: ****