Steve Mason @ The Liquid Room 18 Aug

A newly reopened Liquid Room tonight plays host to one of its favourite sons, and as reunions go, this would take some beating for emotional resonance. Scene of the last ever Beta Band live performance, that collective's frontman Steve Mason is greeted by a capacity crowd, whom, although comparatively restrained, are laden with unabashed reverence.

That restraint has much to do with the considered nature of Mason's output. Drawing primarily on material from his latest release, Boys Outside Mason and co. deliver unadorned versions of tracks such as Lost and Found, Am I Just A Man and All Come Down; the understated nature of the delivery being somewhat undermined by an intrusively elaborate lighting rig. Thankfully Mason isn't shying away from his impressive back catalogue. King Biscuit Time made an appearance, and an acoustic, heartfelt Dr. Baker from the Beta Band days proved one of the highlights of a heartwarming homecoming. [Wilbur Kane]