Lanterns On The Lake, The Andy Needham Band, Ben Marron and Adam Legg @ The Parish

First up is Huddersfield student Adam Legg, he sits on a high stool with an acoustic guitar and a nervous smile. Shades of Jose Gonzales and Martin Grech mesh together to create spell binding melodies. His firm yet hauntingly delicate vocals float bobbing atop his ambient picking. The only problem is the length of his performance with a set that is far too short at just five songs. I could have easily watched him all night, a promising prospect if ever there was one. (http://www.myspace.com/adamleggmusic)

Part two of the Huddersfield based acoustic solo artists couldn't be any more different, Ben Marron strolls on stage wise cracking before launching into the loud chords of "Tick Tocking". The songs are jolly and loud bringing smiles to faces all around the room. Ben seems at ease on the stage, talking at length between the songs about their meanings and sharing jokes with the audience treating everyone like a fan. Even a drunken harpy and a malfunctioning microphone stand, don't detract from his set. The songs are simple chords and a Kings Of Leon style generic voice but they are still pleasing, his set goes on a little too long but still it's a solid if unspectacular set. (http://www.myspace.com/benmarronmusic)

Geordie duo, The Andy Needham Band possess the final support slot but do little to differentiate themselves from the masses of Folk Indie dross around. The keyboard adds a couple of nice flourishes to a few of the tracks as does the harmonica but even that never elevates them over tolerable. A disappointing performance from a man described as "Dylan's protégée". (http://www.myspace.com/andyneedhammusic)

Headliners, Lanterns On The Lake gingerly walk on stage, it is a tight squeeze for 6 people and a drumset. The audience make no noise or visible reaction to the group as they carefully position themselves. This changes quickly after a couple of songs, as singer and guitarist Hazel Wilde's voice oozes softly over the soothing ambient soundscape of instruments. Massaging the ears of everyone lucky enough to be there. Particularly of note is the violinist and guitar sections played with a bow, which adds avant garde gravitas to an assured performance. It's the kind of music you want playing as you sink into a warm bath on a cold night; it wraps you with cotton wool, filling your head and heart with warmth. The only problem is with just 2 e.p. releases there is very little to play and within half an hour the band are finished, leaving you with a wistful melancholy and a desire for more. (http://www.myspace.com/lanternsonthelake)