With only three years to go before they hit their half century, you’d think Scottish twins Craig and Charlie Reid – aka The Proclaimers – would be slowing things down a little. Not a bit of it. Their gig at Oxford’s O2 Academy last week saw the brothers in fine fettle, creating one heck of a party atmosphere in this intimate venue as they belted out their songs with all their customary energy and passion, laced with that distinctive Scottish brogue.

If anything, the feisty duo have improved with age, like the very best malt whisky. Charlie’s vigorous guitar-playing is always spot on, but it’s the quality of their voices, and those famous Reid brother harmonies, that really impress.

The title track of their new album, Notes and Rhymes, with its thumping intro and rock ‘n’ roll rhythm, was a great way to get the party started, and when they launched into 500 Miles the place erupted; almost as one, everybody was bouncing up and down, hands clapping in the air, singing out that famous chorus with gusto.

Other early hits, like I’m On My Way and Let’s Get Married, produced a similar reaction, as did the more recent Life With You. But it was not all high octane stuff – The Proclaimers are adept at varying the mood, and hearing the crowd joining in en masse to the stirring Letter from America was a truly spine-tingling experience, while the gorgeous Sunshine on Leith was another highlight. Songs from the new album sat easily alongside older songs as the pair dug deep into their back catalogue for gems such as Born Innocent, Sweet Little Girls, There’s a Touch, What Makes You Cry? and the Reckless Eric cover Whole Wide World, and they wrapped the evening up with the football-inspired anthem Joyful Kilmarnock Blues, another popular singalong number.

This was a thrilling, fast-paced evening of inspiring music by two exceptional musician/songwriters who never fail to deliver.