IT takes a brave man to take the stage in a flared, pale blue suit but The Big House’s Paul Molloy has every right to feel confident.

In partnership both musical and personal with beautiful Scouse chanteuse Candi Payne, the duo have landed upon a delightfully harmonious version of the sort of spine tingling country duelling patented by Johnny Cash and June Carter.

The icy, European atmosphere of Payne’s debut album has been replaced by sun drenched tales of Laurel Canyon and Pacific highways, with an undeniable Crosby, Stills and Nash feel about the whole project. This would sound cliched in lesser hands but these are such naturally likeable performers that on a cold January evening there are few warmer places to be.

Conversely, hotly-tipped Newcastle-based sextet Lanterns on the Lake are all about cold winds hitting the North East coast. Using a concoction of violins, spectral guitar and electronic beats, this timid group of shoegazers recall the early 90s work of female fronted acts like Slowdive and Lush. Hazel Wilde’s breathy whisper floats above the spine tingling melodies.

Not nearly enough emphasis is put on guitarist Paul Gregory’s effects-laden playing however. He slashes away at his instrument and effects pedals, using a violin bow at one point to conjure the kinds of sounds Kevin Shields first mined in My Bloody Valentine.

It’s a pleasing and noisy antidote to the rather vaporous performance from the rest of the group who seem content to hide behind their cardigans rather than soar like their frequently beautiful songs.

Jamie Bowman