Gig review: Sara Lowes and Easy Tigers, Electric Circus

Manchester's Sara Lowes may lack the quirkiness and presence of some of her pop peers, but when it comes down to song crafting, she is unrivalled by none.

An accomplished and sought-after pianist - playing for the likes of King Creosote, The Earlies and Jim Noir - Lowes has repeatedly postponed her own career aspirations in order to pursue working with others. That is, until now. Last night saw the Mancunian strike out in her own right, taking to Electric Circus' diminutive stage to perform a wealth of songs both old and new.

Laurels aside, there is the quality of her solo material to consider. Her songs embrace elements of folk and jazz and northern soul, but Lowes' fondness for melodic piano-based compositionsand lush harmonies suggest sixties female-driven pop.

This was proven on opening salvo and title track from her debut album Back to Creation, a bluesy cacophony characterised by sweeping keyboards, syncopated rhythm and tinkering percussion.

Moving into more upbeat territory, Lowes followed up this existential ode with Something I Don't Know, complete with lively brass accompaniment, and the breezy I Wish.

Credit must be given to the songstress' talented musicians, who kept the pace flowing throughout, bringing her unusual, rich arrangements to the audience's attention. However, it is Lowes' vocals that transform the music from its drowsy ambience to more eclectic heights.

She possesses a peculiar voice, which is honeyed and rasping, smouldering while ingenious, but above all else - enticing.

This was a marked contrast to the rattling romp of support, Easy Tigers. Full of Ryan Adams-style swagger and Wilco's pop showmanship, the Edinburgh youngsters made for an enjoyable opening act - despite their derivative whisky-drenched sound.

The night came to a close with the sultry Single Girl, no doubt a highlight of the show's intimate proceedings. While Lowes' talent is not in dispute, it is yet to be seen whether she will be able to compete with the Feists and Isobel Campbells of the scene. But, for now, she'll remain indie pop's best kept secret.