The Dead Man's Waltz @ The Old Hairdressers, 27 October

A relatively new haunt in Glasgow’s gig-going community, The Old Hairdressers is, for want of a better term, low-key but for tonight’s evening of understated treasures it sets the scene perfectly. While Andy Lucas would undoubtedly be more comfortable with a piano in front of him, he rocks his Yamaha just the same, his deft fingers hammering out up-tempo blues as he sells tales of hard-man neds and tiresome piano requests with self-effacing honesty.

It’s a departure from Kirsty Almeida’s more ostentatious presence as she steps out in trademark top hat and customised (guijazzled?) guitar but her haughty, vibrant tones show her capable of matching substance to style. Taking cues from gypsy folk as well as the bar-room stylings of Amy Winehouse, her foot-stomping melodies are detailed and involving but despite her vivacious appearance she is often overshadowed by a stellar backing band who explode with flair and passion throughout, if anything rendering her surplus to requirements.

Tonight, though, it’s all about The Dead Man’s Waltz, it being not only the launch of their debut album but also the final night of a Scottish tour; unfortunately, no-one has informed the crowd who ceaselessly chatter throughout the performance. The Isle of Skye folksters persevere regardless, utilising their theatrical leanings to weave tales of murder and lost love through their faintly Slavic-tinged melodies and filling the sparsely kitted-out room with an air of blackened romance.

Dressed in their Sunday best, they tear through their album with ease and confidence, Hector MacInnes and Leighton Jones’ alternating takes on vocals shifting the tone from introspection to high drama and back again, while Jones’ accordion leaves a ghostly drone in the air with each passing moment. With the right environment, it’s evident that the quartet could mesmerise even the most hardened of spectators but tonight they can remain happy in proving that when the cards are stacked against them they won’t take it lying down.