THE Brewis brothers from Sunderland treated a sizeable York crowd to a flawless run-through of a good chunk of their Field Music back catalogue on Sunday night.

A choice selection from new album Commontime was aired, including the Prince-tweeted single The Noisy Days Are Over, new one Disappointed (at present on hard BBC 6 Music rotation) and I’m Glad.

Effortlessly off third album Field Music (Measure) and Who’ll Pay The Bills? off Plumb also feature, as did the impressive acapella harmonies of How Many More Times?.

They are often labelled as being a "progressive pop" group, having complex yet accessible songs recalling bands such as Talking Heads and XTC, and there is a curious Eighties' vibe to some of their newer songs, with a smooth funk (for want of a better phrase!) permeating Don’t You Want To Know What’s Wrong?’ and It’s A Good Thing.

The prolific siblings are also known for their many side projects to Field Music, working with other Wearside musicians such as Paul Smith from Maximo Park, and producing their own solo albums, all under the banner of being "A Field Music Production".

It is easy to see why the band’s 2012 album Plumb was nominated for the Mercury Prize, given the high quality of the songs showcased here. The sound in the Duchess was also first class, which really brought out the exceptional playing of all the band members.

Field Music also play Leeds Brudenell Social Club on March 10 and will be a must-see at this July’s Deershed Festival at Baldersby Park, Topcliffe.

Jonathan Wilcox