An impressive Sunday night crowd gathers in anticipation for Kevin Devine, with the majority arriving in time to see local favourites Gunning for Tamar racing through an energetic set. Launching into their blend of punishing riffs and polyrhythmic bass lines, it’s clear that the young four-piece belong on the stage. At their best they are both technically proficient and organic, weaving together complex melodies that break through the wall of reverb drenched chords beautifully. The band creates an unmistakeably Oxford sound, with hints of math-rock echoing in the angular guitar bridges and start/stop vocals. Occasionally the melody and complexity that make Gunning For Tamar so listenable are drowned out beneath the noise, and a slight lack of crowd interest suggest they have a way to go before attacking the music industry proper. Despite this, the huge potential is clear, as new material is covered with gusto, resulting in some brilliantly layered crescendos towards the end of the set.

The room packs out for New York’s folk singer-songwriter Jaymay, who instantly captures the crowd with her tried and tested (but in this case brilliantly executed) acoustic ballads, often with a dark edge. Dry lyrical humour, combined with a powerful voice, manages to sound instantly accessible without being contrived, despite fulfilling almost all the stereotypes of what is expected from a New York singer-songwriter. Songs sway from atmospheric to humorous; witty moments give way to emotionally effective choruses. It is a testament to the quality and popular appeal of Jaymay’s set that the entire room is silent for the duration of each song, all the way to the ever-present and mood-wrecking back room drinkers. Kevin Devine accompanies the last song, which is surprisingly the only time he implements his trademark acoustic sound tonight.

If anyone was expecting a follow up to Jaymay they were in for a shock: Kevin Devine is here with electric guitar and full band – and what a band. Reworking and amping up classics and new material alike, the acoustic intimacy of earlier recordings is traded in for an effective and ferociously loud style that is delivered with confidence and skill. Especially impressive is the balance of crunchy guitars and bass with Kevin Devine’s captivating lyrics, both complimenting and filling out the songs while keeping the vocals at the forefront. The accompanying guitarist is entrancing, effortlessly slamming out solos, as well as creating cacophonously tortured guitar sounds by hitting the strings and body with various objects and/or walls, ensuring that the set seldom lost pace. Despite being stripped of its usual melancholy, Devine’s voice powers through a selection of fan favourites from his extensive (six album) back catalogue, with highlights ‘Brother’ and ‘Noose Like a Necklace’. Waves of noise give way to hoarse (and occasionally screaming) end verses. There were more than a few fans joining in on many songs, a testament to their trans-Atlantic staying power. Best of all was the sense of connection with the crowd, and the evident pleasure Devine gets from performing. This is the sound of a band doing what they love, and doing it brilliantly.