The Magic Gang give glimpses of a blindingly bright future at London’s Lexington

“We’ve just realised this is an 18+ show,” notes The Magic Gang bassist Gus Taylor, just before his band deliver the penultimate song of a head-turning set at The Lexington. They might be on the slow side when it comes to gig organisation, but everything else in their canon is remarkably slick - way more so than this time twelve months back. They’re a pristine guitar pop outfit, ready for the 2016 charge. Even their shirts are tucked in, these days.

The group’s loyal, under 18 brigade are indeed in absence today, and it’s notable in the opening half of tonight’s show. Sweet-hearted pop with a ‘50s nostalgia twist might be The Magic Gang’s game, but they’re well used to playing to seas of crowdsurfers and flaiing arms. A barmy default mode is swapped for something more considered. In between songs, they even opt for jazzy, instrumental interludes. But it’s all tongue in cheek, guitarist / vocalist Kristian Smith huskily whispering “jaaaaazz”, well aware of the different circumstances.

Early numbers ‘She Won’t Ghost’ and ’Alright’ come closest to reaching bedlam. Tracks from a forthcoming EP are also given a round, but it’s in the fresher material that truly strikes gold. Taylor takes on vocal duties for the first time on one number, and other tracks come off like a hybrid of Mac DeMarco and Weezer. They’re comparisons that have followed The Magic Gang’s every move up to now, but they’re likely to stick.

The future is ridiculously bright for this lot. They’re taking on new roles, trying new things, all while gradually establishing themselves as one of the UK’s best new bands.