Roddy Woomble, Pleasance

Support came from Kathryn Joseph (apparently).  She came on, said little, never introduced herself, played and sang.  A good, and distinctive, voice, decent piano playing, and the songs were pleasant enough.  But I found it impossible to understand what any of them were about, and they ended up sounding all the same.  It was frustrating to watch as there's clearly a good performer in there, still struggling to get out.

In the past the split between Woomble's indierock career with Idlewild, and his folkier solo albums, has been quite clearly delineated.  His latest album, The Deluder, brings the two career strands closer together, and this stage line up reflects that move.  Representing the folk element were regular collaborators Sorren Maclean (guitar) and Hannah Fisher, while drums, bass and fellow Idlewildian Andrew Mitchell on guitar and keyboards provided a rock heart to the sound.

The set was a mix of old and new from across his four solo albums, the powerhouse rhythm section giving a cohesion to the varied material.  They're a tight unit, and Woomble lets himself fade into the background when the musicians get to show what they can do.  Roddy doesn't say a lot, but his self deprecating style is the antithesis of the stereotypical rock singer and this gives him a stronger stage presence than any amount of physical antics ever could.  His singing remains of the highest quality, phrasing and timing immaculate, and immediately identifiable, while the lyrics throughout are poetic, teasing, intriguing.

Strong performances from all the band, both Mitchell and Maclean getting the chance to show of their guitar prowess, but Fisher was a real star, bending her fiddle playing across genres (and what a joy to hear some rock fiddle once again), and lending an ethereal quality to the beautiful Remember to Breathe.  Her vocals were a strong part of the overall package.

Woomble is generous to his audience, and clearly loves performing, but also gives the impression he'd be just as happy singing to an empty room, such is his love for his craft.  And what could be more joyful that that to watch?

Oh, and this being Edinburgh there was only ever one song he could possibly end the night on.  Waverley Steps remains a thing of great beauty, and Hannah was the perfect counterpoint to the Woomble vocals.