This was a night of three contrasting bands doing some pretty interesting things within their respective genres. Songs have been slowly building towards the release of an album, which is on the way; The Laurels too have a long player on the horizon; and newcomers Danimals are starting to build a reputation for some dynamic groove-based performances.

Danimals are a product of the recent rebirth of experimentation in indie music, particularly the fusion of rock and electronic sounds, a focus on rhythms and the deconstruction of traditional song structures. Their set started tentatively, but by the end of the first song they were up and running. Percussion plays a central role in their sound – with most members taking to the kit in some form.

The songs are built around the beat and they use guitar more as a texture or a simplistic repeating melody. Vocals too were treated as another instrument, much the way Animal Collective have reintroduced the mantra-like use of the voice over propulsive krautrock rhythms. As their songs developed from often searching beginnings, they grew in momentum and confidence. An impressive and intriguing performance.

The Laurels are leading the charge for shoegaze, psych, noise rock – or whatever you want to call it – that is seeing resurgence of late. Their sound is firmly established and as a result they play with a calm confidence that betrays how beautifully brutal they can be at times.

The obvious touchstones are there – Ride and Swervedriver in particular – but they also veer into early Oasis and Primal Scream territory; specifically in the vocal department. Singer Piers Cornelius stretches out his vowels, sounding like he’s floating dream-like above the drone, delay and distortion of the sonic hurricane beneath him. Drummer Kate Wilson seems blissfully unaware of the epic noise, adding the essential metronomic backbone to the band. The Laurels were as loud and awesome as usual. If My Bloody Valentine ever make it down here you have the support act right here.

Songs were purportedly launching a single but one wasn’t to be seen and the band made some elusive comments to the same effect. Regardless, they played a show that demonstrated how far they have developed over the last 12 months. Initially the obligatory Flying Nun reference was unavoidable, but since early classic songs like Keeping It Clean they have made a marked change to their sound – speeding it up, making it denser and more layered. It is the sound of a band growing into their skin.

The roles of each musician are now more defined and evenly shared. Bassist Ela Stiles now steps up to the mic more often, balancing the harder guitar-driven songs with her understated voice. My Number in particular has become a highlight of their shows, with frontman Max Doyle switching to bass and living out his Neu fantasies. It is a song that gets inside you head and gets it nodding like a short circuiting robot. Its secret weapon is that it doesn’t outstay its welcome like so many – œjam’ style songs tend to do.

Songs tonight showed their growing diversity. From having a knack for melodic hooks, they have now added the line and sinker to complete the package. It all makes for a highly-anticipated album.