Every creak of the seats can be heard when the crowd falls silent moments after the Icelandic four-piece appear on stage and their sublime set begins. Light bulbs imitating candles, laser-like adornments and other luminary effects all aid the ethereal atmosphere.
But the slow and loud sound of Sigur Rós is the essential ingredient. Beginning the British leg of their world tour with two nights in Manchester, the band known for their unorthodox musical methods held the attention of the Apollo audience without uttering a single word in English.
In fact, hardly any actual words are heard at all, as the lyrics are sung in a made-up language, and nothing is said by the band between songs. Lasting two and a half hours - including a 15-minute intermission - a performance of this kind requires patience.
