Ghostpoet @ Captain's Rest, 24 September

After a rousing set of homegrown hip-hop from Hector Bizerk, an emcee / drummer combo from Glasgow whose impressively tight lyrics and heavy, complex beats really wins the crowd over, Ghostpoet takes the stage in the packed basement of the Captain's Rest. Playing alongside a drummer and guitarist, and controlling all of the synths, samples and vocal effects from a laptop, running through a sequencer and two KAOS pads, the Mercury-nominated rapper / singer races through the highlights of Peanut Butter Blues and Melancholy Jam.'

In a live context, the introspective lyrics and esoteric mixture of indie rock, two-step garage and bass that are Ghostpoet's calling cards sound fresh, uplifting, and, most importantly to the young crowd, really says something about life in Britain today. Singing along to Liiines and Garden Path, the crowd embrace Ghostpoet's self-deprecating humour, his voice swaying between Roots Manuva's Ital delivery and the heartfelt soul of Marvin Gaye (no really!). Drunken singalong Cash And Carry Me Home is an anthem of sorts, and is greeted with rapturous pogo-ing by a decidedly indie-kid-looking crowd. A fantastic gig, from an artist who has enduring mainstream appeal as well as a refreshingly experimental outlook.