Drenge, The Deaf Institute, Manchester

Sweeping up adoring fans and critical acclaim comes naturally to the Loveless brothers who make up the tornado that is Drenge. Their swirling winds have even drawn in a bassist. It’s these sort of bold, brave and slightly unexpected decisions that look set to secure the future of a flame that could have as easily flickered out as it could have raged into an inferno.

It’s lucky Drenge are boasting some wise heads and broad shoulders as it seems they’re bearing a the weight of a whole new generation, The Deaf Institute tonight hosting a young crowd. With attempted moshing soon becoming repeated falling, the high octane crowd are greeted with unreleased opener ‘Running Wild’ crashing into a snarling fan favourite, ‘Gun Crazy’.

Rory Loveless’ drumming is positively machine-like as he deftly adds the light and shade to riff after riff from brother Eoin, that pummel and constrict the audience. A cleverly constructed, if slightly formulaic, setlist adds room to breathe for the real peaks. ‘Nothing’ and ‘Face Like A Skull’ find themselves neatly spaced between often unreleased songs. It guarantees a certain relentless march, never being far from the next onslaught. As Drenge approach the final stretch, ‘Bloodsports’ is unleashed on the eager mass, a song which has to rank as one of the most achingly brilliant rock songs released in the past year or two.

There’s something inherently loveable about Drenge. Sometimes they seem as though they’re the act most likely to get off stage and enjoy a nice cup of tea and a few episodes of Mock The Week. Despite the often gory subject matter the band almost maintain a respectful detachment and there’s definitely more a sense of control than there is frenzy. Even the stage invaders are politely repelled and the crowd is soon back into a mesmerised melee. Nevertheless there’s no lack of intensity or power on show as a final flex of the muscles sees a roaring ‘Let’s Pretend’ close the set. It’s incredibly exciting to see Drenge develop and it’s more intelligent choices like dropping the gimmicky ‘I Don’t Want To Make Love To You’ that suggest an even bigger future for the band.

They’ve gained a bassist, rounded out their sound and cut the fat from an already muscular act. And no matter if they’ll sing about nothing other than disappointments, Drenge represent nothing more than incredible promise. Pound for pound they’re a formidable live act, and you can sense an increasingly important one.