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Six years ago Catfish and the Bottlemen played one of Cardiff’s smallest venues, Gwdihŵ.

In the intervening years they have taken to the stage at virtually every venue in the Welsh capital – 10 Feet Tall, Dempseys, Clwb Ifor Bach, The Globe, Cardiff University and the Motorpoint Arena; each gig an incremental step on an incredible journey that has propelled them to the upper echelons of rock ‘n’ roll.

Their headline appearance at Cardiff Castle not only underlined how far they’ve travelled, but also their sheer graft and their grand ambition.

The Llandudno band’s rise has been driven by a sturdy work ethic that has seen them create their own reputation, built on constant gigging, an indomitable self-belief and most importantly superlative songs that have embroidered themselves into the hearts of their fervent and youthful fanbase.

(Image: Mike Lewis)

The show at Cardiff Castle was a triumphant affirmation of where Catfish and the Bottlemen currently stand, two albums in they're one of the most impressive live bands in the UK right now.

Walking on to Helter Skelter, all dressed in black, rather fittingly like The Beatles in Hamburg, the scene was set for a glorious 90 minute demonstration of passion, power and a band at the very top of their game.

From the first chord of opener Homesick, this was a set that followed a simple, but devastatingly effective template - epic soundscapes that rocketed into the night sky, sung back to the stage in a mass, communal singalong.

Solid gold anthems such as Pacifier, Fallout, 7, Kathleen, Sidewinder, Hourglass and Cocoon provoked something fast approaching religious fervour as arms were flung aloft to the sky and the set thundered along under its own impressive head of steam.

(Image: Mike Lewis) (Image: Mike Lewis)

It was a powerful and intoxicating mix - the reaction from the crowd reminding me of the first time I saw Oasis – a band who at their zenith were able to hold an audience in the palm of their hand.

There’s nothing quite like the unbridled power of music to unite a crowd in joyful union and the constant whirlpool of bodies at the front of the stage was an impressive physical reaction to the enveloping sound.

It wasn’t all muscular onslaught however, Healthrow was a tender reproach, demonstrating how they can pare it back and tug at the heartstrings when needed.

Listen closely and there was a even a snatch of The Kinks’ Sunny Afternoon thrown in for good measure – ironic given the post-midday downpours, while new song Fluctuate – a taster of their long-awaited third album – hinted at further delights yet awaiting.

The stunning surrounds of tonight’s venue notched up a first for a band who had hit so many highs on their momentous ascent – “This is some venue isn’t it, the first time we’ve played a castle,” confided Catfish frontman Van McCann.

As impressive as the grand vista of the historic city landmark is, you get the feeling that even larger venues await for a band whose career trajectory right now is stratospheric.