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.