Imparting a perverse but positive spin on life's bothersome details has been Pavement's forte for nearly 10 years now, and they've gotten better at it with every record. With a loving crowd filling this woefully impersonal venue with something approaching warmth, just why have America's erstwhile lo-fi laureates decided to pack it all in?

That's the rumour, at least, and Stephen Malkmus says nothing to dispel it. At the show's close he thanks everyone for coming "this evening - and over the years as well". Preoccupied with the consequences of time's passage, Malkmus's songs have become steadily more regretful and touching. Yet until halfway through the set the group seemed grounded, as if worn down by the gravity of the occasion. After the welcome reveille of Stereo, they palpably loosen up.

Come the encore, the smiles turn to tears for Mark Ibold, clearly moved by the pointed impact of Here. "Last time, last time," Malkmus sighs, "Was the best time." If so, the world has been a more gracious place for Pavement's presence.

***** Unmissable **** Recommended *** Enjoyable ** Mediocre * Terrible