ON A wet and windy spring evening, there was no better place to be. The intimate surroundings of the NCEM provided a perfect backdrop for the ever captivating singer song-writer Tom McRae.

Opening without a word to the audience and straight into the heady Lately Is All I Know, from the new album From The Lowlands, his exceptional technical control and musicianship set the scene for the night.

When he began talking to the audience over his guitar, affectionately telling us he would unite us to form a choir, rather fitting in these surroundings, and “take us to a happy place”, it became obvious that his personality and quick-wittedness were as much of a draw as his superlative musicianship.

Moving effortlessly between instruments and conducting the audience to join in with singing, clapping and whistling, it was clear this man capable was of holding his own in what could have been a rather intimidating surrounding.

Creating his own harmonies using a loop pedal during a few songs, enlisting the delicate tones of the ukulele for the unabashed ‘F*** You Prometheus from his new album, and a gentle and beautiful piano performance of 2nd Law from his eponymous debut album, McRae is surely a man not to be missed.

The support came from Paris based singer-songwriter Chloe Swann, and her two accompanying musicians. She warmed up the crowd with her alluring and enchanting style. Her musicians added an eclectic and original sound with the additions of a giant stylophone, a harmonica and electric guitars being put through their paces.

Review by Gemma Rossi