What makes Owen Ashworth's music initially so rewarding is his total grasp of one emotional state. He has miserably uplifting firmly nailed down - think The Smiths do electronica. He even paid homage to Morrissey and company mid-set with Toby Take A Bow, while his cover of Paul Simon's Graceland showed his ability to turn even the most cheerful of songs into a satisfying electronic dirge.
But this is also his downside.
He rarely stepped out of his comfort zone, preferring to wallow beautifully in sardonic witticisms and a safety net of melancholy. The set took on new life when he was joined by Jenny Herbinson, who added bright vocals to his sedated beats, making an inarguably cute combination.
Earlier, locals Kopek set a good standard. Susie, Helen and Marcus nimbly swapped between flute, clarinet, violin, samplers and guitars showing their progressive folk rock has much potential.
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