Hannah Peel @ Brighton Ballroom

Beginning her first headline tour across the road from last year’s Unthanks’ support at St Georges, Hannah’s nu-folk sound was augmented by a fine four-piece band. The first song featured testing time signatures and majestic melodies, setting the standard for the rest of the show. ‘Solitude’ sounded truly ethereal; traditional yet modern and the Cocteau Twins’ ‘Sugar Hiccup’ was mesmerising. A fine fiddle and piano player, it was her stunning voice and trademark home made music boxes that really stood out. ‘Almond Tree’ sounded like The Wicker Man on acid and judging by tonight’s performance she could be Kate Bush’s heiress apparent.

Brighton Ballroom, 16 March
4/5
Steve Clements