Thea Gilmore @ King Tut's

Thea Gilmore is praised as an extraordinary singer-songwriter and awarded lazy comparison with other female guitarist/vocalists. Combining earthiness with a sure, literate touch, her recent album 'Harpo's Ghost' was a stunning example of pop-folk. In concert, however, her voice is not strong enough to hold against clumsy pub-rock backing - while a few acoustic moments reveal delicate sensuality, many well-crafted songs are buried beneath predictable arrangements. Tired structures - including uninspired guitar solos and a pedestrian drummer stamping out a stolid beat - refuse to allow her individuality space to grow. At times, the band manages a jolly stomp-along or a telling verse rises above the murky sound, but this is a sorely missed opportunity for Gilmore to establish a distinctive identity. The crowd are generous, and the overall impact is not entirely unsatisfying - for fans, this is a fair set, solidly performed. Yet she never lifts herself beyond the predictable and ultimately dissatisfies. [Gareth K Vile]