The last time Neon Indian were supposed to play in London, in early August, their plans were scuppered by groups of feral youths on the rampage – or rather, as it turned out, the hollow threat of such activity. That night, while they huddled behind a massive cushion somewhere, contemporaries Washed Out proceeded unabashed only a mile away – yet failed to grasp the moment with a showing that somewhat deflated the dream-pop thrills of their ‘Within And Without’ album.

So that’s the line in the sand for Neon Indian, and with a slightly inferior sophomore effort to promote in ‘Era Extraña’ expectations are suitably cautious. Yet any doubts go out of the window within minutes of their arrival, with mainman Alan Palomo cutting a sharp figure centre stage, and surrounding cast completing the set up, with notable mention to the smashing Leanne Macomber behind the keyboard bank.

New album opener ‘Heart Attack’ and lead single ‘Fall Out’ are resplendent, but whereas on wax they’re the standouts the remainder of the ‘Era Extraña’ tracks aired tonight come to life and are equally illuminating. The dynamics are immaculate, and as a spectacle they’re gripping, with Palomo’s leather jacket, floppy curly mop and moustache suitably tailored to his constant animation and infectious boogie.

There’s also an exceptional light show, but such peripherals, however startling they may be, don’t warrant further mention – and certainly not when the music and performance is such a revelation. Of course, favourites from debut ‘Psychic Chasms’ are present and very welcome, but the recent output shows its true worth tonight, and that’s the most telling. That and how invigorating chill wave, if that’s what we’re calling it for now at least, can be in a live context. But Neon Indian have the material, the panache and the suss to comfortably outlast such a fad – if they haven’t done so already.

Andy Slocombe