O Emperor’s warm-up set for folk collective Sons of Noel and Adrian began well, with shimmering keyboard melodies, slide guitar and a meandering bass line giving something of a 1960s Californian vibe to the standard indie songs.

However, the self- indulgent Coralesque vocal detracted from the interesting instrumentals and it was only the guitar solos and group harmonies that commanded attention.

Unfortunately, Alessi’s Ark did little to buck up the mood. The singer/ songwriter’s forced quirkiness and cutesy voice was anything but unique and her stage presence mildly awkward.

While her sound was softened when the Sons joined her on stage, the fact she forgot the words to one of her own songs didn’t help her cause.

The Sons on their own brought something different to the table, their full and intricate ensemble sound justifying the headline spot. Refreshingly, wood instruments are given a leading role in the group, adding a rich and intoxicating quality to the music.

However, the band’s new tracks weren’t as instantly seductive as their previous work, and for me it’d be hard for them to top their Christmas performance at the Unitarian Church, so suited was that venue to their sound.