Gig review: Ben Howard - King Tut’s, Glasgow

HAVING broken into the UK Top 10 last month with his debut album Every Kingdom, Devon troubadour Ben Howard is that rare thing: a word-of-mouth phenomenon who has earned mainstream success.

Whether being championed by Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons and signed to his record label is an indication of having done it all by yourself is debatable, but Howard certainly has more grassroots appeal than your average X-Factor contestant.

This show – packed so tight the crowd were spilling into the adjoining bar – carried on in the amiable nature of his success thus far. A matey sort with sandy blond curls, a slouchy black T-shirt and the look of a guy who owns at least one surfboard, Howard had anecdotes for his fans and an indulgent ear when the more frankly plastered among their number responded with demands for songs.

Accompanied by female violinist/bassist India and drummer Chris – both long-established musical collaborators – the 23-year-old displayed fluid skill with his acoustic guitar and a keening, rustic voice which lent stand-out songs like Old Pine, Keep Your Head Up and signature track The Wolves the air of a stripped-back Sigur Rós or Fleet Foxes.

Despite his protestations that the entire band were feeling ill – before a lively encore of Move Like You Want – Howard’s stated decision to drink whisky until he was “not feeling ill any more” only seemed to strengthen the bond with his audience.

Rating: ***