Ray LaMontagne @ SECC, 22 Jan

The 'Monday Night Gig Question' is one which troubles greatly. Generally avoidable, almost always avoided, it takes a certain kind of performance to validate such expeditions, with the effects of a heavy weekend inevitably taking their toll. Ray LaMontagne gigs on a Monday night, let it be said, are a good thing. By the time he takes the stage in the SECC, the sun has set and the mind has accepted and dealt with the fact that it is Monday.

This sense of acceptance leaves a body dangerously exposed to impression, an opening which LaMontagne exploits fully, his soothing style softening the jagged edges the weekend left behind. The melancholic blue backdrop sets the tone for the night, with an inescapable harsh reality to his songs awaiting those with any inclination to venture past the sweet melodies.

A voice that vacillates between a rasp and a "where the fuck did that come from?" is just enough to hold the attention through a half hour long middle number (that was one song wasn't it?), whilst the ubiquitous 'Trouble' and an accomplished stab at George Harrison's 'Behind That Locked Door' flank a selection of new tracks, ensuring everyone goes home happy and fully recuperated. I just wonder whether this would have been as welcome come Friday? [Finbarr Bermingham]