In these days of plastic pop and sugary soul, one might not expect a 13-piece alt country chamber orchestra to have much chance of success.
However, Nashville-based Lambchop are the exception to prove the rule, achieving critical acclaim and selling a fair few albums on the back of their mix of country, soul, jazz and electronica - and 43-year-old singer/songwriter Kurt Wagner's smoky voice and sardonic lyrics.
The band were on fine form at the Theatre Royal, which was a good thing after support band St Thomas disappeared from stage after one, brilliant song, never to return.
Lambchop's performance showcased songs from their latest album Is A Woman, a bold departure from the grand orchestrations and soul stylings of some of their previous work.
For two hours, Wagner, an odd but engaging frontman, and his friends entranced a packed house, weaving a tapestry of lush, off-kilter melodies, suffused with Wagner's wit and charm.
Although the music increased in volume and intensity over nigh, it still managed to be quiet music, played loud, apart from a ten-second burst of Michael Jackson in the middle of one song.
Lambchop are unique and will hopefully go from strength to strength.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article