Savages / Bo Ningen @ The Art School, 21 Feb

Savages’ sound check starts, and a heavy, heavy kick-drum reverberates through everyone’s stomachs. “Ooft,” gasps a very bearded man, “I think I just pished my pants.” Nothing could sum up this evening better.

Regular collaborators/tour companions Bo Ningen set a high, heavy bar. The Japan via London psych-noise four-piece have mesmerisingly shiny locks that are almost as lengthy as their sonic-shifting solos, and they bruised their bodies, their instruments and our ear-drums during a 30-minute set that falls just the right side of brutal endurance.

When Jehnny Beth, Ayse Hassan, Fay Milton and Gemma Thomas finally stride out on stage, they cut eerie, powerful silhouettes against some seriously dramatic lighting. Jumping straight into Sad Person, from January’s album Adore Life, the lyrics feel entirely appropriate. “I’m not gunna hurt you,” Beth croons, “so what else?” The audience need the reminder; Savages’ icy control and organ-shaking volume could feel intimidating, but this band want you to step up – not back.

From first-album gut busters like Shut Up and Husbands, through to the more clinical rage of new tracks like The Answer and I Need Something New, Savages hold their audience with a vice-like grip. A sweaty, friendly circle pit cracks open just as everyone sheds their coats, heating up under the intensity of the band’s request to “leave the lights on – we want to see.” Kicking off her shoes, Beth then takes a trusting step off the stage, onto raised, clenched, supportive fists. Held up by togetherness and community, it’s a fitting, moving symbol for Adore Life’s manifesto of positivity.

So tight and so earnest, Savages have a way of pummelling you into a state of catharsis that’s totally unique and madly special. Hassan’s bass work turns recent single and war-cry for love T.I.W.Y.G. into a frenzy of feel-good hip-shaking that sweatily embodies the track's vigorous, confrontational message. Drawing to an abrupt halt, there’s a collective gasp for air and Beth smirks, “It feels good, doesn’t it?” It feels fucking brilliant.