Wild Beasts last unleashed their emotive, off-kilter pop songs on Smother more than two years ago. Last night, a loyal crowd in Oxford got the taste of new material on their tongues.

It was the third show of the Kendal four-piece’s intimate UK tour, but the apprehension onstage at Oxford’s O2 Academy 2 could have convinced anyone it was their first. Not that the band lacked any professionalism; there stood four musicians effortlessly swapping instruments or playing such acute attention to songs that it was like pressing play. Merely, the bandmembers’ boundless thanks and delighted faces proved that their new material – including “Sweet Spot” and “Pregnant Pause” – were more than well received. Relief swamped the stage.

As expected, old favourites “Hooting & Howling” and “All The King’s Men” were the sparks that lit the fuse in the close space. The floor might have quivered underfoot for these performances, but the new songs had everyone duly enchanted.

Setlist
Wanderlust
Reach A Bit Further
We Still Got The Taste Dancin’ On Our Tongues
Sweet Spot
The Devil’s Crayon
The Fun Powder Plot
Pregnant Pause
Albatross
Hooting & Howling
A Dog’s Life
Loop The Loop
Bed Of Nails
This Is Our Lot
All The King’s Men
Lion’s Share