For the devoted fan, watching Low rock out must be like watching Bob Dylan switch on the amplifiers at the Manchester Free Trade Hall. Normally, you would expect this Minnesota three-piece to be sombre, given that they have sustained a spooky, snail's-pace style of balladry over their last 11 albums. But this year's release, The Great Destroyer, builds drumming patterns, catchy melodies and even a whiff of optimism into the drama.

It's a change that has energised tonight's audience. When Alan Sparhawk, singer and guitarist, asks the audience for some confessions (tongue in cheek), we get heckles about the band's favourite vegetables rather than calls of "Judas!"

Surreal humour aside, Low still have the power to unnerve, although more loudly than before. They are a strange spectacle on stage; the gaunt Sparhawk to the left, treading around his speakers; Zak Sally to the right, plucking threatening bass notes; and Mimi Parker, all red curls and baggy jumper, standing in the middle playing drums. She also sings, and does so as if she were plotting a curse. She delivers lyrics such as "Leave me in the car tonight/I need your grace alone," from Laser Beam, like a verse from the Book of Revelation.

Even creepier is when Parker and Sparhawk sing together. They phrase powerful statements - "Tonight you will be mine," from their new LP's opener, Monkey - as if they were sharing the same breath, rounding off consonants with exactly the same control and measure. The effect is gorgeous and terrifying.

Low finish with a song about a dead body being found with "Xs on the eyes" and a short lesson in fear. Then they smile broadly and beg us: "Be safe on your way back home."

· At the Leadmill, Sheffield, on Thursday. Box office: 0114-221 2828. Then touring.