Low, The Dudley Corporation

How do you follow the gig of 2002 in Christchurch? Not in the Ambassador I would have thought, but given Low’s minimal format it makes it a little harder for the sound gremlins to come out to play.

First up, The Dudley Corporation keep the monitors warm for everyone’s favourite Minnesotan trio. Joan of Arse have pulled out due to unforeseen commitments, perhaps complicated by Low re-scheduling this gig due to iced over runways in Heathrow a fortnight ago. The curtain opens and Alan, Mimi and Zak plaintively thump their way through ‘Candy Girl’, followed by a blistering run through ‘(That’s How We Sing) Amazing Grace’ and Mimi Parker’s heart-stopping ‘Tonight’. Despite listening to their records constantly, it is still mind-blowing to witness how intricate and expansive three instruments and two voices can be.

Latest record Trust is played pretty much in its entirety, with only ‘Sunflower’ selected from Things We Lost In The Fire. The rare trainspotter’s treat is stark rendition of ‘Lordy’ from their collaboration with the Dirty Three for the In The Fishtank series. Alan and Mimi sing off mike towards the end, lending an eerie ancient spiritual feel. If that wasn’t impressive enough, ‘I Am Lamb’ literally bursts the sky. A towering, clanging, frightening song from a tomb.

But we are not left hanging on for dear sanity, as Alan lightens the mood and dedicates a song to Valentine’s Day. ‘Last Snowstorm’ completes a thrilling return from one of the finest bands on the planet. When you closed your eyes, it felt like Christchurch all over again.