THIS was always going to be a strange gig. Alabama 3 can always be relied upon to keep things interesting, but even by their standards this started in a very surreal fashion.

Slumped back in a wheelchair in a surgical gown is Larry Love – aka Rob Spragg – bandages around his head and sporting shades. He looks like a cross between an acid casualty and shellshock victim.

He is flanked by his carers, similarly attired in white coats, shades and surgical masks.

Have we wandered into a biohazard site? Have the Russians been calling or has our Rob finally blown a fuse?

It’s not nerve agents which rain down on us though, but pounding beats; bass strong enough to fell an elephant. And Alabama 3’s prescription of ‘sweet pretty country house house music’ is working miracles. The Very Reverend Dr D. Wayne Love (bandmate Jake Black) enters, dispensing blessings, Larry is hoisted out of his chair – and we are flying into a rousing, rave-heavy blend of swampy blues, rock, electronics, country and gospel. Alleluia!

It is 20 years since Alabama 3 delivered their first album Exile on Coldharbour Lane. Their latest, Blues, was the 13th. That gives a phenomenal body of work to chose from, but it is the crowd-pleasers they reach for – We start with with Cocaine (Killed My Community) – all growled vocals underscored by flowing keys, squelchy bleeps, brain-tickling electronics and a juddering bass line.

There’s the harmonica-rich southern gospel stylings of Ain’t Going to Goa, – the Rev resplendent in snappy suit and shades stay in the Deep South for the riot of steel strings and harmonica that is Have You Seen Bruce Richard Reynolds and are submerged in beats and reverb for the growly Mansion on the Hill.

There are cheers of recognition for Woke Up This Morning – haunting mouth organ and synapse-stroking electronic bleeps and jabs still taking off the tops of our heads. Then recent tune Rattlesnake Woman – a righteous racket which sounds like Muddy Waters, The Doors and the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club jamming at an warehouse rave.

By now the party is in full swing and the sweat is raining from the low ceiling. Speed of the sound of Loneliness and Too Sick to Pray take it down before a sing-along to Techno and we get moving again for the bouncing Hypo Full of Love – their 12 step plan to salvation.

By the time they come back for the encore and a grungy Amos Moses even the band look dishevelled – shades finally off and, like us, grinning from ear to ear!

Two decades in and no one does it like Alabama 3 – and few leave their fans so absolutely buzzing.

5/5