Gabriel Bruce cannot stand still.

Whether it was nerves, restlessness or just a few too many drinks, the audience certainly could not take their eyes off him.

Viewed from the back of The Warren, the side-to-side sway of heads was a sight more akin to Wimbledon.

The festival programme described Gabriel Bruce as a “melancholy singer-songwriter”.

I’m not sure where they got that description from, though. His melodies were at times apocalyptic and at others euphoric.

Taking to the stage looking like a circa-1993 Peter Andre – albeit without the muscles – he certainly didn’t look like a rock star.

But as soon as he opened his mouth, there was no denying it.

The low drawl of an ageing Johnny Cash immediately sprang to mind. But there were also hints of Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave and even Morrissey.

The songs were dark but at times appeared to have the singalong quality of an Elbow festival favourite.

It’s difficult to pigeonhole – but that can only be a good thing.

There was no band but the thundering bass that carried most of the songs was provided by a laptop to stage-left.

On the opposite side were Bruce’s backing singers, who matched their well-rehearsed retro dance moves with soulful vocals.

It was a delightful mix of Glasvegas, early Nick Cave and Johnny Cash in his more “God’s gonna cut you down” preacher mode.

During the final chorus of the final song he joined his dancers for some choreographed moves.

Some audience members may have cringed with embarrassment but at least he doesn’t take himself too seriously. And in an industry where nearly everyone else does, that’s rather refreshing.