British Sea Power @ Liquid Room, Edinburgh, 9 Apr

The audience are packed like gingham-clad sardines in a tin as we wait for the arrival of British Sea Power. The stage is dressed as though we’ve entered into the attic of an eccentric botanist – leaves drape over the microphone stand, a stuffed owl perches on a plinth and the circular LEDs are reminiscent of a stained glass window. This is promising. However, as a blue light and an eerie synth fill the air, the band walk on stage and look slightly out of place. They’re dressed like average Joes, leaving us feeling a bit disappointed that they haven’t donned some bamboo leggings, or haven’t even chosen something slightly out of the ordinary to wear.

As Who’s In Control begins a few hardcore fans throw their arms above the sea of bobbing quiffs, while the rest of us tap our feet, waiting for the excitement to infect us. It’s not until the fifth song – Remember Me – that the energy becomes contagious and more hands, along with one walking stick, wave in the air.

The energy lulls between hits, interrupted by moments of hypnosis by the beautiful harmonies of Abi Fry and Neil Hamilton Wilkinson. The band look like they’re enjoying themselves passing smiles to each other and sharing the stage with equal grace. There is no bravado and little showmanship. The limited interaction with the audience creates a distance that occasionally makes us feel like we’re intruding on a band practice rather than rocking with them in a leafy paradise.

At the close, the band are clapped and cheered off stage. As the lights dim no one calls for an encore. However, when the musicians return, dressed in silver spandex, we’re all glad we got one. Each member rocks a slightly different style of shimmering t-shirt and trouser combination; creating the spectacle we were waiting for.  As the chorus of Machineries of Joy begins the audience is joined by two (presumably very sweaty) guys in massive bear costumes. They throw their paws around and high-five the giddy guys moshing at the front. Attention is drawn from the band, who continue with their cool, calm and collected approach to performing, leaving the 7ft polar bear to steal show and leaving the audience feeling satisfyingly bemused.