For their comeback, The Long Blondes chose a title — Couples — that referenced their romantic history: there used to be two couples in the five-piece band and now there are none. But they survived this Fleetwood Mac-style break-up and have returned with some smart disco and art-rock songs that are as knowing as that album title.

This performance had nods to Blondie, Pet Shop Boys and Roxy Music, while singer Kate Jackson’s posing and strutting seemed to have been informed by Eighties pop videos. Yet her self-awareness couldn’t conceal an obvious enthusiasm for playing a venue she giddily described as her favourite in London.

The Forum certainly marked a step up for The Long Blondes, who recruited club DJ Erol Alkan to produce their second album. They bravely opened their set with the angular, droning Round the Hairpin, with Jackson interrupting her poise behind the microphone to join in on drums.

For some reason, they were surrounded by mannequins on stage — although Reenie Hollis was marginally less animated than the dummies. Perhaps she just had to concentrate very hard on her bass.

The Long Blondes were certainly far from proficient when they first emerged a few years ago. And that clattering, punkish approach was still evident on Weekend Without Make-Up. But while they have improved as a live unit, their obvious love of pop and separation from current music trends seemed as important as their musical prowess.

Despite the disco influence, the recent single Century was still pleasingly rough and ready, while Too Clever By Half had a sleazy rhythm that was a welcome break from their repertoire of fast-paced tunes.

The Long Blondes were perhaps over-reliant on the energetic Jackson, who didn’t always own the stage in the way she seemed to think she did. The fans often appeared confused as to whether to dance or just nod along.

There was also an odd moment where she suggested that, because of the heat, the bespectacled drummer should get his top off. Sensibly, he declined: that would have been unlikely behaviour from this coolly intelligent band.