UEA

Melodic, intelligent and socially and politically conscious, Faithless have always managed to ascend above the slick, hype driven pop-scene without any real effort.

But at the same time their very own brand of 'protest music' has remained accessible and never fallen into the trap of the Band Aid-troupe which can at times seem patronising and trite.

So it is no surprise that their special one-off performance at the UEA sold-out within hours of being announced. This is a band accustomed to playing before tens of thousands so seeing them perform in such intimate surroundings was a bit like watching Manchester United having a kick around in the street.

Their anthemic sound is well-suited to the country's more chasm-like venues but to hear it at such close quarters is a treat.

Tracks from their new album, To All New Arrivals, felt unfamiliar but lead single Bombs, with its chugging, understated beat, social analysis and decidedly anti-war stance, makes an impressive start.

I for one couldn't help feeling the obligatory performance of Insomnia, the single which many true fans blame for attracting a 'chav element' to the band, felt tired (if you can excuse the pun).

But on the likes of Mass Destruction and Muhammad Ali, Maxi Jazz displayed the urgency which makes his voice unique. God Is A DJ was the inevitable highlight and choruses of 'this is my church' will be ringing around listeners' ears for days, like a form of sinister but irresistible tinnitus.