EVERYTHING But The Girl’s Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn were going through a low-key acoustic phase when they played the old Fibbers, perching on crates to be better seen by the audience, all too many moons ago.

Watt has since diversified into elecronic music production, DJing and writing books, but this year he has released Hendra, his first solo album since the Yorkshire-inspired North Marine Drive 31 years ago, and his songwriting remains as intelligent, perceptive and soulful and writerly as ever, deepened by the passing of the years.

The new Fibbers in Toft Green, with its pew seats, standing areas and comfy seating around the walls, drew an attentive, appreciative audience, further buoyed by the presence of Bernard Butler, of Suede fame, on guitar. Martin Ditcham took the drummer’s seat and the stern Watt switched between guitar and keyboards, old songs and new, grave silence and detailed anecdotes.

Butler and Watt stayed in their own zones, Butler only glancing Watt’s way in a couple of tales, yet the musicianship was sublime, be it for The Levels, Nathaniel and The Heart Is A Mirror from Hendra or Watt’s finest ever song, The Night I Heard Caruso Sing.