Alasdair Roberts’ first appearance saw him “putting the grr into hurdy-gurdy” as an accompanist in support act Sound Of Yell’s set.

The resulting moody soundscape was beguiling, enigmatic – and possessed of a certain dark humour.

The same could be said of Roberts’ own set.

Performing largely solo – with Sound Of Yell’s Stevie Jones returning to add bass to some songs – he proved an intense performer, with an appealingly purposeful approach.

A distinctive guitarist, he made every note count with his deliberate, bony picking style. Initially focusing on songs from his latest self-titled album, he masterfully bent every word and phrase to the will of the tune.

This is no easy task – Roberts’ lyric sheets sometimes read like epic poetry, with a strong love of language evident.

His subject matter covered hunger, desire and a bizarre dream in which he “realised” he had no legs.

The lovely Waxwing and Coral And Tar showed his “romantic” side, while renditions of The Golden Vanity and The Fair Flouer Of Northumberland proved he is also an excellent interpreter of traditional songs.

The set was long and the venue hot, but the eccentric, subtle and dryly funny Roberts was a talent worth concentrating on.