A bright future surely beckons for Pete Roe, if this is what he is capable of in the first date of his first-ever headline tour.

In a performance split between solo acoustic numbers and upbeat tunes supported by his band, Roe showcased a powerful but lilting voice, catchy guitar style and a gift for folksy storytelling songwriting which made it clear why he has been increasingly tipped to emerge as a crossover star from the folk scene.

Not that his proficiency should come as any surprise. After all he has already been involved with one Mercury prize-nominated album, as part of Laura Marling’s band, and only recently returned from a US tour with the songstress. He evidently had plenty of opportunity to hone his act across the Atlantic, doubling up as both support act and part of Marling’s own backing group.

This gig and tour marked the launch of Roe’s first EP and he performed all its tracks here.

Among them, Oh Susannah, The Devil’s Dancefloor and the EP’s title song The Merry-Go-Round, a lament of one carousel horse’s unattainable love for another, stood out.

Roe was backed at times by an unusual ensemble, which included a cellist and double bassist along with drummer and guitarist, but was at his best when performing solo, his voice resonating powerfully from behind his shaggy beard and flat cap.

The supporting acts Tristram and especially The Moulettes, fronted by a singing cellist, added to an excellent gig. The small crowd will remember this one.