Dilly Dally, Dalston Victoria, London

The future’s grizzly for Dilly Dally. Plenty of bands find their muse when recording, projecting the cleanest, sharpest form of themselves when putting thoughts to tape. Their true calling exists in the studio. This Toronto four-piece gave indication of this on last year’s debut album ‘Sore’. Ash-stained, saw-toothed grunge is their game, and the 2015 full-length didn’t sound like it could arrive in a purer form.

Dilly Dally’s mission in 2016 is to kick that expectation down the drain. Tonight’s Dalston Victoria set - the second of a trio of dates in the capital - finds these harsh, gruesome songs becoming even more sinister.

In years to come, Katie Monks might eventually have trouble maintaining her voice. But it’s not a current concern, so it doesn’t matter. Instead of avoiding the nasty, crackling chants that define ‘Sore’, she launches straight into them, vocal cords creaking under the pressure. Set opener ‘Snake Head’ starts with a devilish bang, and momentum doesn’t slip. ‘Purple Rage’ is a fire-breathing monster, while breakthrough moment ‘Desire’ plays a key role tonight, performing Dilly Dally’s trademark of going further when it doesn’t look possible. On record, they’re exciting. Live, they’re an even brighter prospect. Say hello to one of the year’s essential live bands.