OMD at Brighton Dome review: Energy, precision and atmosphere

Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphrey's obvious warmth for each other and their back catalogue was matched by that of a sell-out crowd, delighted to escape the rain for the energetic life-affirming visual and auditory spectacle from the Scouse electro popsters.

Right at the top of their game with exquisite execution and mastery of mood and look, their delight in performing for a seventh time at The Dome - McCluskey announced - was palpable.

Their set ranged brilliantly through Cold War aesthetics to the Kleptocracy, from Sailing Seven Seas to Joan of Arc, nipping via future dystopias to kissing on a Bauhaus staircase (Image: The Argus)

Their set began with a smashing opener where captivating visuals filled the stage with data and microscopic images of viruses in a sobering reminder that not so long ago we were all denied evenings like this.

McCluskey had boundless energy, spiralling limbs, theatricality and jousted with a Mancunian in the mosh pit as they smashed out old and new bangers.

Humphreys was more understated, with gentler precise vocal and electro cool. 

• READ MORE: 'I didn't know what to expect and this band were amazing' 

Their set ranged brilliantly through Cold War aesthetics to the Kleptocracy, from Sailing Seven Seas to Joan of Arc, nipping via future dystopias to kissing on a Bauhaus staircase.

Their set had energy, atmosphere and precision (Image: The Argus)

OMD constantly engage with the audience appreciatively and in common cause -  waving arms, invitations to dance, rhythmic claps and pacey communal renditions of the biggest hits Enola Gay, Locomotion and Souvenir.

McCluskey remarked on the immediate readiness for a Tuesday party in “downtown” Brighton in contrast to a recent stand-offish London crowd who they “had to kick in the backside to get going".

They noticed and paused the performance for some time when someone was taken ill in the crowd, "this person's health is much more important", and at the end of the show reassured the crowd that they were OK.

We'll hear more from support act Walt Disco (Image: The Argus)

An engaging atmospheric set by new Glasgow band Walt Disco began the evening well. It evoked Sparks, Talking Heads and The Associate. We'll hear more from them, but the night was owned by OMD.