There was no encore. But then, why should there be? All too often even a lacklustre performance will garner the sporadic applause required to guarantee a further three tracks churned out in a workaday manner. As a result it’s refreshing to see a band that has the balls to turn up, do what they’re there to do and then leave again, without the pretensions of grandeur. Explosions in the Sky did just that, despite delivering a performance that lacked nothing in grandeur, or indeed balls.

A brief introduction by a solitary band member turns out to be the only words uttered throughout the set. Even this is short lived and awkward, and an attempt at banter with the crowd is met with nervous laughter. Memories of watching your school band play their first gig are brought to mind, only to be instantly dispersed when the first notes ring out. Opening with the captivating First Breath After Coma, Explosions in the Sky go on to deliver a seamless journey through their back catalogue, taking in the highlights of nearly a decade-long career without pausing for breath.

All the trademarks of a post-rock band are there: the epic, over-extended tracks featuring soaring crescendos leading to quiet, tender breakdowns. A complete absence of vocals in their work has always cemented this reputation. But Explosions in the Sky have demonstrated time and time again that words don’t mean everything, and it has never been truer in a live setting. They are above all else a rock band, and once introductions are done with, they’re on a mission to dispel any notions to the contrary.

If post-rock can be thought of as classical music played by guitars, the logical progression would require its purveyors to sombrely recite their work in respect to the thoughts that are to be provoked by the listening experience. Explosions in the Sky certainly don’t disappoint in the provision of an experience. Complete immersion is provided by the wall of sound emanating from the speakers, matched in intensity by the hushed admiration displayed by the audience. Absolute distraction from everyday life is achieved. But if a sombre recital was expected, it is not delivered.

The quiet/loud dynamic of the performance is reflected in the energy of the musicians. Midway through the set comes a perfect moment, typifying this band’s appeal. The three guitarists stand side by side, drenched in red light, hands aloft. The soft, comforting melody that had preceded this moment is broken with an unexpected intensity as all three strike repeatedly at their instruments in perfect unison, sending waves of noise reverberating throughout the room and capturing the collected masses in a shared moment of awestruck reverie. For 30 seconds or more it continues, until respite is offered and the soundtrack continues.

Before long, and just as suddenly as it had begun, the spectacle ends and the stage is empty. An hour and a half has passed but the audience is eager for more. Yet the house lights go on. There will be no encore.

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