Three studio albums into his short career, Californian singer songwriter Brett Dennen provides a breath of fresh air into the half-filled room on this so called ‘school night’. As the curtains fold back, he walks onto stage in trademark jeans, t-shirt and acoustic guitar. His flame haired mop hangs in front of his eyes as he constantly tunes his guitar and rattles off song after song of heartfelt, inspirational themes, waxing lyrical thoughout the 75 minute showcase.

Kicking off the set with Darlin Do Not Fear and She’s Not Mine taken from Dennen’s second record, So Much More, he recalls the lyrical intent of a young Greenwich Village poet crossed with the socio-politically charged commentary of someone like a Michael Franti. When Dennen opens up into the chilling Ain’t No Reason early on in the set, the crowd give off one of their many cheers for the gifted, unassuming performer.

Dennen only speaks when spoken to tonight, and you detect a little nervousness early on, but he does manage to come out of his skin and show a little personality, particularly during the opening chords of Make You Crazy taken from his latest Hope For The Hopeless record. When the crowd doesn’t fire into the ‘woah oh’ parts of the number, he drops his head and charges up the troops for another rendition.

This was one of those lovely little gigs we get along to now and again and was a real treat to soak up the energy of a singer songwriter who should have the world at is feet if he wants it. Pretty special boy this Brett Dennen.