Looking like a cross between Al Capone and a Laurel and Hardy-type silent movie character, Jim Noir (real name Alan Roberts) emerged with his borrowed backing band sporting matching Forties suits and haircuts.

Fortunately, the soundtrack was neither silent or dark, as jangling guitars met with sweet, harmonious vocals, the likes of which havent been heard since The Beach Boys.

The good-time set was ideally paced, with cheerful new single, Key Of C, coming halfway through.

With its shanty-style bass drum and capped-cymbal rhythm, alongside more of those high, sugary harmonies, it was easy to see why this track was chosen as a promotional tool for last years debut album, Tower Of Love.

Mancunian Noir wrapped the show up with an unprecedented display of mutual artist/audience appreciation, as he wove his way high-spiritedly through the chanting crowd with band in tow.