Joseph Arthur is an intense and intelligent songwriter who composes gorgeous, multi-layered songs, all swirling rhythms and reverb - one thing he isn't is fluffy.

His poetic lyrics tend to be melancholy and reflective, such as: "I still think about washing your hair, I wish I could have washed away all your despair" from the touching Ashes Everywhere.

It's nearly ten years since the young singer/painter was discovered by Peter Gabriel and signed to his Real World label.

It's not hard to see why: Gabriel must have recognised a kindred spirit. Like his mentor, Arthur delights in experimenting in the studio with different musical styles and textures and can easily switch from traditional instruments to electronica and back again.

One thing he doesn't have in common with Gabriel is stagecraft.

Arthur is very much a studio-based artist and his live show was four-track recording turned spectacle.

For example, on Redemption's Son and Can't Exist, he built a percussion track by beating out a rhythm on his guitar body and strings to create a looping track and then added rhythm guitar and vocal tracks over the top.

It was oddly mesmerising and very effective - probably a lot more so than dressing up as a giant sunflower as Gabriel might advise.

By way of contrast, he then dropped straight into a more orthodox guitar and harmonica ballad such as Daddy's On Prozac or Devil's Broom, which are all the better for being served straight up.

A psychedelic Favourite Girl and the marvellous Stumble And Pain were other high spots in a low-key but heartfelt affair.

But then, Arthur doesn't really do high-key and frivolous. "This is hard to do," he said. "I haven't played a gig in a long time. I've been recording a new album in Los Angeles. I like playing in the studio because you can go off and play tennis."

But while critical acclaim and a discerning cult following have applauded Arthur's every step, massive record sales have so far eluded him.

He's never likely to sell out Wembley - maybe Wimbledon if he works on his forehand - but then he's better suited to playing the occasional gig to an appreciative audience whenever he next emerges from the studio.