THERE was a palpable feeling of expectation as cult indie rock band British Sea Power took to the stage at a packed-out Fibbers last Saturday.

The Brighton six-piece are renowned for their creative approach to live shows, having played in a variety of unusual locations from the top of the Great Wall of China to the Tan Hill Inn in Swaledale, the highest pub in Britain; to performing on the Cutty Sark and at Jodrell Bank Observatory.

Their York show was no exception, with their trademark foliage and the odd plastic bird or two giving a relaxed, laid-back ambience as a backdrop to their sonic journey.

Lauded by the likes of the late, great David Bowie to Elbow’s Guy Garvey and from Bill Oddie to Professor Brian Cox, their reputation attracted hardcore fans and the curious alike, who turned out in force to see what the night would bring.

From opener Machineries Of Joy, an ocean of lush viola, driving guitars and hypnotic drums, to the gorgeous Remember Me, which was voted number nine out of the 100 most important tracks in a poll of BBC 6Music listeners, the whole evening had the feel of being in a room with great friends.

An airing of their 2003 single, Carrion, brought some good-natured moshing at the front and an appearance from British Sea Power’s eight-foot bear Ursine Ultra, a bizarre and slightly unnerving regular at their gigs. The show reached a high with guitarist Martin Noble swinging from the rigging, surfing the shoulders of the enthusiastic mosh pit and play-fighting with the aforementioned bear.

A good half-hour encore of fan favourites brought the night to a close. British Sea Power conquered another city with nothing more than a wave of good feelings and excellent music.