JaJaJa Nordic Night curated by Simon Raymonde @ The Lexington, London

It may have escaped some people’s notice, but over recent weeks this humble north London boozer has become somewhat a safe-haven to the edgier Scandinavian populous. Yes, through this enlightening series of events, JaJaJa Nordic are bringing likeminded music fans together to celebrate everything that sticks a rocket up the anus of ABBA and blasts it, thankfully, a million miles away from the delights we had tonight.

With former Cocteau Twin and head honcho of Bella Union, Simon Raymonde, creating the playlist, there is – even for London – a heightened sense of expectation. First to convince us, even if we’re going to do our utmost to avoid dancing to it, are the Danish trio The Good, The Bad. Their lead singer’s hips cut just as much of an impression as his virtuoso guitar playing as they wield riffs like a Tarrantino film-score.

They launched an impressive mix of contortionist guitars, an avalanche of 6-string bass and some skeletal drumming that was as equally blues as it was 60s wig-out. The absent vocals were replaced by a screaming melodic hook in the guitar and the drummer commanded centre stage like a wayward puppeteer. Playing their “first ever hit” we were almost tempted to breach that needless 2-metre gap in front of the stage, swayed by the sight of a second guitar where the bass had been and some epic duelling battle commenced.

Comparing the night’s rather wet externals to their hometown, Ungdomskulen, the headliners, strove to banish any doubts the audience may have had. Considerably better known in the line up they blend a mix of charming Norwegian-tinged English-word vocals with killer riffs, particularly in newer offerings like ‘Ordinary Son’, that helped to melt our ears.

Despite the former being devoted to “celebrating all that is great about being a guy”, visually the band are a lot less stereotyped. This three-piece took turns to posture at the front, where bassist Frode Kvinge Flatland was the undoubted showman bedecked in sparkling jacket and moustache. But maintaining his leading edge, Kristian Stockhaus (vocals) would not be outdone on a night when he was enjoying “feeling like Lykke Li”.

Feeling like a pop cat and rocking like the devil: not bad for a band otherwise known as Youth School.