THERE was definitely electricity in the air. Newcomer KT (short for Katie) Tunstall is seemingly growing more popular by the day, and the sell-out Fibbers crowd were clearly eager to catch the next big thing.

In an era when there is such a dearth of real soul that acolytes flock to Josh Stone or Norah Jones; the fact that Tunstall has written nothing truly memorable

counts for little. Perhaps what draws the crowds is the clear potential in this Scottish artist.

While her recorded debut Eye To The Telescope is at best average, the personality submerged beneath a rather mercenary Dido-style production, in person Tunstall has charisma aplenty.

With an infectious sparkle, experience and a wonderfully expressive voice, she swept the audience off their feet. Miniature Disasters was a clear statement of intent, with soulful handclaps building into a convincingly raucous delivery that was part Lou Lou, part Maggie Bell.

Black Horse And The Cherry Tree was better still, Tunstall harmonising with herself with relish. The bland edges of the material were forgotten. You doubted not that Tunstall has lived the life she sang about and, for the first few songs, she was excellent. As time wore on, the lack of memorable hooks, or interesting arrangements took their toll.

The shortness of her set was perhaps fortunate, as Tunstall left a rapt audience wanting more. What this talented singer is capable of, with the confidence to focus on wider musical horizons, whets the appetite and more than justifies the expectant buzz.

Updated: 11:13 Friday, February 18, 2005