This was an evening of impressive vocal talent, and one of those rare gigs where the support acts were as enjoyable, engaging, and warmly received as the headliner.
There were no X-factor histrionics - instead Hannah Grace and Lewis Watson each gave us characterful songs with subtlety, charm, confidence, and some great guitar (from Watson himself, and from Tadhg supporting Grace).
Grace's set included songs from her recent EP Meant To Be Kind, and a stylish cover (revealing her jazz studies) of Just The Two Of Us.
Aplin and her band were something of a contrast. There were hints of KT Tunstall and Florence and the Machine. But Aplin's songs were very much her own and, delivered with the help of a warm clear sound and a really solid band, we heard some great (if perhaps slightly old-fashioned) rock, including songs from Light Up The Dark released last year.
While Aplin is certainly not unique in the trend of singers dominating every second of every song, it was a shame that with such a strong band she could not give her songs more space to breathe, with the occasional violin, guitar, or organ solo.
Despite that minor frustration, she was a powerful performer and definitely worth looking out for.
Four stars
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