Photo: WENN.com
Since The Cribs exploded from the depths of West Yorkshire in 2004, they have carved a reputation as one of the UK's most visceral indie bands.
Following the release of fifth album, 'In the Belly of the Brazen Bull' this year, The Cribs grace London's HMV Forum as part of a European tour that sees them visit every corner of the UK.
As part of the celebrations for the upcoming Q Awards, the band are privileged to have none other than art-pop veteran, Edwyn Collins, carrying out support duties.
The former Orange Juice frontman was one of the first to champion The Cribs when they signed to Wichita in 2003, so much so that he winded up producing their self titled debut album.
He treats the audience to an encapsulating performance. He suitably wets the appetite for the evening's headliners with his arsenal of quirky pop songs, including signature hit 'A Girl Like You'.
The Cribs are greeted by a frenzied audience as they arrive on stage to Kiss classic 'God Gave Rock 'n' Roll to You', and seem intent on providing a set that will only further raise the crowd's pulses.
Openers 'Come On, Be a No-One' and 'Our Bovine Public' have The Forum bouncing from the off.Ryan Jarman basks in an atmosphere that is quite literally red hot as sweat can be seen dripping from the brow of every audience member.
Pints of overpriced lager are catapulted all over the venue as the crowd fail to contain their excitement during 'We Share the Same Skies' and 'Jaded Youth'.
Ross Jarman doesn't seem to be a fan of the stereotype of drummers fading into the background as he stands on top of his stool and continues to keep time during 'Back to the Bolthole'- a party trick fully appreciated by all.
But the atmosphere really reaches boiling point when the Jarmans launch into 2005 hit 'Mirror Kissers'. Every one of the 2500-strong crowd mosh in sync as The Forum is rocked to its core.
In addition to the flying beer, the notion that some audience members can't take the heat is demonstrated by a number of jackets and t-shirts that are strewn across the stage.
The desire of some on the front row to strip off is not shared by Ryan, however, as he proceeds to put on one of the discarded t-shirts during 'Anna'- to the undisputable delight of its previous owner.
'Another Number' and 'Men's Needs' continue the party. The Wakefield trio must be well used to their gigs turning into sweat-fests, but Ryan appears to recognise that this one is a particularly moist affair as he professes "We're sharing a lot of bodily fluids tonight".
The band bring an end to the scheduled set with a typically angry rendition of 'Hey Scensters!'.
Realising this is their last chance to really go for it, the audience ignore their undoubted exhaustion as The Cribs return for an encore.
'The Wrong Way to Be' is followed by the appropriately titled 'Arena Rock Encore With Full Cast' conclude an occasion that has been nothing short of exhilarating.
At a time when many are professing 'guitar music is dead', the aggression and urgency that characterises the Jarman brothers' sound is something that many aspiring indie stars would do well to take note of.
