With extra points scored for atmospheric effect, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club took to the stage to the sound of a Johnny Cash-esque chant, a room full of dry ice and a river of sweat on the hottest day of the year so far.

For the most part the set comprised of debut and second album drone-rock anthems, refreshingly punctuated by brand new country and western-style songs.

Take forthcoming single and certain hit, Ain't No Easy Way, for example. It is a stomping sing-along lifted from the band's eagerly anticipated third album Howl, due out in August.

At one point The Eagles took over stage duty, giving Turner, Hayes, Jago and guest a break.

Much to everyone's surprise, though, this turned out to be yet another example of the Club's new and exciting musical direction.

It was this startling, yet mighty fine, difference which neatly diverted attention away from the numbness of previous slow-tempo album-fillers and instead alerted us to the fact that Black Rebel Motorcycle Club have only just begun to demonstrate what they're really capable of.

It seems the boys have swapped two wheels for four legs and a saddle and it's cotton-picking good.