“This is only the second time we’ve played these songs – I’m flying by the seat of my pants!”

It certainly didn’t feel that way as Gaz Coombes returned to his former home to promote second album Matador.

It can be hard for a former frontman to shake off the ghost of his band, but Coombes had no problem on Thursday backed by a tight four-piece band.

Admittedly if he had suddenly launched into a Supergrass number the place would have erupted – but it would have felt out of place.

He had more than enough strong material in his own arsenal, and his ear for a great swooping chorus remained intact, as evidenced in opener Buffalo, White Noise and Hot Fruit.

By exploring sampled loops and electronica Coombes has opened up a whole new world of inspiration – and it translated perfectly into a live setting.

Matador highlight The English Ruse felt like a driving Arcade Fire out-take, while the massive beats of closing encore Break The Silence should find a natural home on festival main stages this summer.

Allied with a stagecraft and ease with the audience learned from more than 20 years on the road Coombes presented an unmissable show which should firmly cement his place as an artist in his own right.