As a middle aged tit I struggle a bit when watching a band like Black Midi. How did they get to be so good whilst still being so young? Look at them standing on the stage like they own the place, with a confidence that doesn’t sway into cock sure over arrogant swagger. It’s more assured than that. We’re really good and we are right now – on this stage and in this moment – running tings. An indie post-punk prog jazz mindfulness that let’s them – and us – be in and cherish the moment. And breathe. And who are us? Well judging from the crowd in the mosh pit the average age must be 19. Which makes me feel like a middle aged tit – yet again. Why am I here? I keep asking myself that often of late.

Watching them makes me feel hopeful about the future. Putin might be single handedly taking the planet back into the dark ages and climate armageddon hangs over us like a bad smell, but young people are absolutely losing their minds to a band like Black Midi. That’s a good thing as to me they sound like nothing before. I hear prog, post-punk, jazz, indie, noise, metal and a bit of funk and always with tongue slightly in cheek. The crowd bounce around in the mosh pit – but never aggressively all good natured and lots of females are partaking. Who wants to join in? Me too. The crowd whoop at math rock solos – how many hours a day does you need to practice guitar to do that? Asking for a friend. Some of it goes into heavy metal riff territory and lead singer Georgie Greep sounds psychedlic with his repeated vocal motifs. I don’t understand a word of what he’s saying – but it sounds good.

Disclaimer – I probably wouldn’t listen to Black Midi much at home. They’re really a live band, a spectacle best experienced in the moment beamed from a sweaty stage whilst navigating sticky beer strewn floors and inhaling cannabis vape. As musician’s they’re technically brilliant. Swapping out instruments, switching vocal parts and a kind of musical telepathy and timing which belies their young age. The drummer Morgan Simpson is also worth mentioning, such an important polyrhythmic backbone to their complex sound. Where will it go from here? Who know’s – but I’m looking forward to experiencing it.