Several months ago I saw Little Scout supporting The New Pornographers. At the time, they fit quite well into their dream pop niche. In their support slot tonight, it is obvious not much has changed. Skinny Jean’s Shem Allen seems to have become more of a permanent adoption than a fill-in, and the band continues to play mostly enjoyable, if sometimes forgettable indie-pop. Considering this is virtually the same performance seen five months earlier, the shine has slightly worn off. It is a good performance, and Little Scout is a good band. But right down to the premeditated drum-off finale I witnessed last time, nothing feels nearly as fresh. Maybe it is time to try something new.

Looking around, there are several discrepancies in the ages of twee-pop icons Belle and Sebastian’s audience tonight. Given their 15 year history, it isn’t surprising. They clearly mean something to many in the audience, and there are audible chatters of excitement in the air moments before they take the stage. As a result, Belle and Sebastian approach their set with careful consideration.

The mood changes when the opening riff to I’m A Cuckoo begins, as opposed to the slightly reserved beginning of I Didn’t See It Coming from their new LP Write About Love. It’s from this point the diverse range of Belle and Sebastian fans are taken on a glorious, celebratory tour of a band with a masterful back (and more recent) catalogue. They are also doing so with a band who feels as vital as ever.

Equipped with a slightly too quiet mini orchestra and sparingly used local trumpet player, every album is represented in various forms; yet it seems to be Dear Catastrophe Waitress and If You’re Feeling Sinister which receive the most attention. Every track performed is so achingly gorgeous and/or upbeat, there’s a feeling Belle and Sebastian could turn anything into brilliance. Case in point: Stevie Jackson’s cover of Pleasant Valley Sunday is a short stroke of impromptu genius. Having said this, cries are constantly heard for song requests from the audience, leading to Stuart Murdoch giving in several times.

If both of Belle and Sebastian’s leading men have something in spades, it is charm. From their Scottish accents to their contrasting attitudes, it is hard not to be enamoured by both of them. Murdoch’s on- and off-stageantics still show he is determined not to act his age. His enthusiasm is infectious, and everyone is happy to go along for the ride with him.

Belle and Sebastian’s heartfelt ballads go down best amongst the crowd. Lord Anthony, Piazza, New York Catcher and The Boy With The Arab Strap (amongst many others in a very generous two hour set) leave the crowd stunned and moved by their beauty, followed by uproarious cheers. Alternatively, the final moments of their set ends in a sea of overjoyed dancers with an Another Sunny Day / The Blues Are Still Blue double. It caps off a night of memorable excellence from the indie-pop legends.