Slaves are upping their game with very gig and took things to a new level at this sold-out night. There was less banter about biscuits, and more blistering action, that sent the crowd wild.

They stormed through their best-loved tunes like ‘Where’s Your Car Debbie’, ‘She Grew Old’ and ‘Beauty Quest’, slicker and tighter than ever but still with that trademark raw and filthy sound.

Singer/drummer Isaac Holman thrashed out some amazing beats on his pared-down two-drum kit with a Pearl Masters snare and Paiste cymbals. He drums standing up and invariably catapults himself into the crowd.

New single ‘The Hunter’ went down a storm and they also previewed ‘Cheer Up London’ - a tale of Central Line day job misery, that had a surprisingly cheerful effect. We’re hoping it gets released soon.

Guitarist/bass player Laurie Vincent was playing through some fine British gear - vintage Selmer Amps and Matamp cabs. It was the first time we’d seen him bring out the bass live - a Vox Apache II was just one of the guitars he played.

Laurie had some unusual boutique pedals among staples from Electro-Harmonix and Boss. Two were from from Big Ear n.y.c. including a Loaf - silicon fuzz and a Woodcutter distortion.

Slaves recently signed to Virgin, and have been supporting Jamie T live. It looks like things are going to get even bigger and better for them next year.