A little while back we told you that Lau were the best band in the world. We imagine you probably didn't believe us. But if you'd been at their recent London gig, in the fantastically living room-like, Slaughtered Lamb, there's a good chance you'd have come round to our way of thinking.

There are just three members of Lau (we don't imagine there'll ever be more) who play accordion, guitar and violin, respectively; the one who plays guitar also sings (but only sometimes). Their music is rooted in traditional reels, jigs and airs that've been played in the pub sessions of Britain, Ireland and those of our Scandinavian and Nova Scotian cousins for longer than anyone can accurately remember. But somehow (in a way we don't entirely understand) Lau have composed their own tunes that are firmly and recognisably rooted in this tradition but are, at the same time, infused with the kind of euphoric mathematics found in the most intelligent techno, and the seemingly instinctive musical dexterity found in the most daring jazz; without actually sounding like techno or jazz. Hmm. We can't help feeling we've not made things any clearer.
Lau are, at the very heart of everything, a good-time band. Quick glances around the room, sees everyone grinning ear to ear; their feet and hands involuntarily picking out counter rhythms on knees and floor. We've heard the jokes in their between-song banter countless times but they still make us laugh, especially the one about two Scottish brothers both being called Angus because "they were named after different Anguses". Both in the gags and the playing, there's an infectious chemistry between the musicians, best seen when, during 'Hinba', a violin string snaps and, instead of stopping, Martin and Kris improvise a vamp around the song's opening bars as Aidan frantically searches in the dark for a replacement, managing to wind it into place just in time, to loud whoops and applause.

We've often repeated our mantra that there are really only two kinds of music: good and bad. And while Lau may come from a world completely alien to most modern pop kids, the staggering brilliance of their performance and the thrilling beauty of their songs and tunes would be instantly recognisable to anyone with even half an ear. And since we can't think of any better way we'd like to spend our evenings than in a cosy pub with a pint and the music of Lau, then that's why, right now, we reckon they're the best band in the world. But don't just take our word for it.
Watch Lau playing live in the 4music studio