Deap Vally, Islington Assembly Hall, London

It’s release day for Deap Vally. ‘Femejism’ may be less than 24 hours old as they take to Islington Academy Hall’s elevated theatre stage, but there’s already a feeling within the audience that the record marks the beginning of a new chapter.

Having earned their reputation as a thrilling live act, Deap Vally are still the exhilarating rock and roll band that set the world alight four years ago. Guitar-wielding frontwoman Lindsey Troy brings tremendous energy as the duo rattle through early cuts ‘Gonna Make My Own Money’ and ‘End Of The World’ to the delight of the crowd.

Far more impressive, however, are numbers from the new release. Lindsey describes the album as a “creative explosion” and it shows tonight on countless occasions. ‘Grunge Bond’ highlights their love of melodic pop while ‘Royal Jelly’ makes for a triumphant encore finale. There’s newfound depth to their latest material that’s brought to life in this live environment.

By the end, the two-piece are truly in the mood to celebrate. There’s more than a few crowd-surfers – including Lindsey herself taking a dive during the encore – and at one stage they bring out their tour manager on backing vocals and tambourine.

Deap Vally were already known as an excellent live band but tonight they feel a life-affirming, vital one.