Wintercase? Never was an event so aptly named. Though Madrid in mid-October is positively tropical in comparison with the icy UK climes DiS left behind earlier this week, there certainly isn't anything sunny about either of tonight's performers.

Still, though Spiritualized and Soulsavers draw heavily from the darker side of life (respective lead singers Jason Pierce and Mark Lanegan have both had well-documented problems with narcotics), there's an underlying feeling of catharsis here. Depressing lyrics, of course, don't always a depressing listening experience make.

In that respect, perhaps, Pierce's songwriting and stagecraft owes a few dues to one of the old masters. From his very appearance to the air of nonchalant cool he exerts over the audience, there's a distinct air of Lou Reed about the Spiritualized mainman. Even if their upbringings couldn't be more different (Pierce hails from, um, Rugby), both share a penchant for focussing on the downbeat: drugs, religion and relationships crop up again and again throughout their respective canons, often viewed through the most pessimistic of lenses.

That material revels in tonight's stripped back, acoustic-led format with Pierce's laments clear as crystal against a minimalist backing; a world away from the dense, expansive sound of the records. Highlights from the 30 minutes or so we catch (Spain's 'mañana mentality' proves somewhat contagious) are Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space number 'I Think I'm In Love' and a chilling, naked take on 'Lord Can You Hear Me?'.

Mark Lanegan and Soulsavers have got the blues, too. They don't look particularly depressed, but everything played tonight has an underlying bluesy flavour, with dashings of gospel and country. As you'd probably expect from anything bearing Lanegan's name, it ain't particularly upbeat either.

The decision to recruit the former Screaming Tree is certainly proving a shrewd one for the band, even if he does very much take centre stage, physically and metaphorically. With that voice, it's difficult to focus on anything else even if his musical cohorts are nothing if not competent. That's perhaps a bit harsh on guitarist Rich Machin, whose raunchy lead lines add interest throughout, but it's another example of the Modest Mouse effect: recruit a big name and prepare not to be noticed on stage, ever again.

Still, combine Lanegan's trademark voice (gravely doesn't even begin to cover it) with the two female singers and you've got a satisfyingly fulsome sound. This makes the decision to rely on a vocal backing track for one song all the more mystifying. Equally perplexing is former single 'Revival', which sounds for all the world like a rehash of 'Knockin' On Heaven's Door' with different lyrics - that you can still sing Dylan's original words over the top makes it close to parody, though no doubt the band would claim homage.

All is forgiven, though, after Lanegan leaves the stage and the backing singers get their chance to shine as a grand finale. The resulting cover of Lead Belly's 'Midnight Special' is nothing short of glorious and enough, perhaps, to make us forget that Soulsavers' own material, while good, just can't lay claim to being anywhere near as great.