4/5

THE legendary Islington pub’s stage is decked out in deep red drapes, reminiscent of the “waiting room” in Cooper’s dream from Twin Peaks.

And it’s true that a mysterious expectancy hangs in the air for what will be drummer Rob’s final appearance after five years with Argonaut.

Launching straight in to the kaleidoscope of noise that is Seven, this is the band at their very best — catchy, quirky and edgy all at once.

The rhythm’s vital to their sound and Rob and Joules maintain a taut driving beat throughout, on top of which Nathan’s guitar and Abby’s Korg paint a sound as rich and textured as an old masterpiece.

The jarring pop of TV and then Owners is followed by Vintage Dress from the first album, where singer Lorna really starts to relish the moment and immerses herself in the song.

Looking like a shaman, speaking in tongues, she’s lost to the moment as her head rocks back and forth.

On They Can Buy You she works out relentlessly, while Abby’s harmonies are the perfect match to her distorted screaming.

The band are in full flow now and nearly 12 months since I last saw Joules play he is clearly enjoying himself on stage and Nathan is using all the space and every technique he knows to make his guitar grate, sing and fight with the power in the songs.

MBID, a scary You Guys and two brilliant oldies Touch Electric and a blistering 2 Lights bring a superb set to a close. Intense, rocking, danceable, innovative and mesmerising, Argonaut will be back here as part of the We Shall Overcome weekend on October 3. Don’t miss.