IN WHAT I Am Seeing: The Sun is the latest revelation from Savages and what a thing of wonder it is.

A single, lengthy live track it’s a typically deconstructed work which is a masterclass in intelligent control from a meditative state at the opening to a shattering, full-on explosion of lyrical passion and sonic power by the conclusion.

There are moments of contemplation and musings on the themes of building and destroying including, curiously, spoken-word extracts from an interview with composer Arvo Part which adds a mystical element to the work.

Presented as a “happening,” by the post-punk four piece from London, the elements of performance art are signalled by dancers and video projections — peripheral devices for the main event, the colossal might and velocity of the band.

Savages are the real deal, held together throughout by Gemma Thompson’s captivating guitar, Ayse Hassan’s hypnotic bass, Fay Milton’s complex percussion work on xylophone and drums and the astonishing vocal range of Jehnny Beth.

As Sam and Adam Sherry from A Dead Forest Index add a second layer of percussion, vocals and guitar the impact is hugely powerful as the restraint of the opening — a lull before the storm if ever there was one — gives way to cataclysmic sonic forces.

It’s then that the band’s trademark currency of dark matters, mixed with attitude and spite, really hits home. Devastating stuff.

Review by Peter Lindley