Even as autumn approaches and the temperatures begin to drop, Metronomy are one of those bands that seem to exist only in a world filled with sunny days and summer nights. Led by former Brighton resident Joseph Mount, the electropop band are now back up to full strength as a five-piece and the Dome saw an electrifying, hip-shaking show which was, quite frankly, the best way to end any weekend.

First though, Sons of Raphael, who defied every expectation of a typical Metronomy support act. With a retro tape deck providing the backing track behind them, the two brothers Ronnel and Loral Raphael were mesmerising. The sounds emanating from their guitars was pure lo-fi, but strands of 70s radio rock emerged through the fuzz every now and again. As they hammered and plucked every last sound from their guitars while scampering around the stage like animals freshly released into the wild after a life of captivity, there was something magical and intangibly great about them.

These days, Metronomy are very much a band rather than a solo project for Joseph Mount – despite last year’s Summer 08 being recorded by him alone. That album formed the backbone of tonight’s show, and it was fascinating to see its tales of immature love brought to life. Their set started with ‘Back Together’, a funky 80s-tinged anthem that simply commands you to dance like there is no tomorrow. In many ways, the combination of that decade’s influence alongside modern production values shows an alignment with LCD Soundsystem. The lines between dance, indie, pop and rock were similarly blurred all night – the only constant being that it was always, without exception, music to dance to.

As the show progressed, high after high was delivered in a sustained manner. ‘I’m Aquarius’ had every hand in the air before a superb version of ‘My Heart Rate Rapid’ with its pulverising beat, took the party to another level. As pink and blue strobe spotlights swept the room (the lighting was exceptional throughout), it was apparent that even the highest echelons of the usually-seated balcony sections had become one big dancefloor for the night. Despite Oscar Cash and Michael Lovett (keyboards) and Anna Prior (drums) being essentially boxed in for the duration behind Mount and Olugbenga Adelekan (bass), the energy and sense of fun emanating from the entire band was infectious, particularly during a euphoric ‘Love Letters’.

An emotional Mount described Brighton as “A city of love… this city is very important to all of us”, and the feeling was reciprocated by an adoring audience. New song ‘Lately’, a rockier number but still with a synth edge, was met with the sort of reaction usually reserved for old favourites – its keyboard breakdown at the end caused a wild response from the room, and hints at an interesting new development in their sound. Best of all though was ‘The Look’, a piece which now exists in that rare place where even the riff is turned into a singalong. It caused a deafening roar from the crowd which did not let up for the entirety of its duration.

Sensibly realising that it was a moment that could not be matched, the encore was short but sweet, ending on a delicious ‘Everything Goes My Way’. As the crowd filed out, words from ‘Back Together’ summed up the mood of the room perfectly: “I remember when I met you we had a right old gas / you and I have got to get back together”. Until Brighton and Metronomy meet again, we’ll be waiting to get back together.

Jamie Macmillan

Website: metronomy.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/metronomy
Twitter: twitter.com/metronomy