Ron Sexsmith

The world might think it doesn't need yet another singer/songwriter but it has one in the bulky frame of Ron Sexsmith whether it likes it or not.

A young-looking Canadian who has been on the fringes of success for a couple of years (a crossover success that looks as if it's as far away as it has ever been, despite the his best efforts and those of his record company), Sexsmith nevertheless has the tunes, the voice and the words to land a good lump of respect and a steady, faithful band of fans.

He began with a pair of songs and an acoustic guitar and just when you thought it was going to be a quiet evening he was joined by two band members who kick-started the evening proper with a loose but effective rendition of Strawberry Blonde. It got better from there on, as Sexsmith visibly relaxed behind the safety of low-key rock 'n' roll and the power of a good song.

Pride of place in the set was a selection of songs from his new album, Whereabouts, an altogether more fulsome affair than his previous releases. While the musicianship or the sound wasn't as smooth as that of the record, the songs stood out as fine examples of contemporary folk-rock, from the Kinks-like The Idiot Boy to the hypnotic Riverbed.

All in all, a strong show from an exceptional talent. Just don't expect him to be playing The Point this time next year.

Ron Sexsmith plays HQ tonight. (Friday, July 9th). Contact HQ Box office (01- 8783345).