Ben Taylor doesn’t even have to sing. He’s just got to talk.

Taylor is possessed of one of those deep, slightly shy American voices that are such a pleasure to listen to, whether they’re telling an involving story or reading off a silly poem. But Taylor’s deep, rolling voice shifts to the most impeccable, airy, lofty singing. It’s like there are two people in there.

His Union Chapel gig with David Saw, bassist Benjamin Thomas and box drummer Larry Ciancia was a gentle and gently humourous exercise in rhythmic folk. The chemistry of the outfit, let by Taylor’s rambling monologues, shy grins and bold guitar work, made the Chapel a pretty damn fine place to be on a chilly Sunday night.

The sound, mostly excellent, had some deficiencies. Thomas could be the best or worst bassist in the world – we wouldn’t know - we couldn’t hear him. And although Taylor’s voice sounded epic, he is the most annoying lyricist. “Forest trees get hit by lightning, often in the wilderness,” he warbles. We don’t mean to be exceedingly literal, but where else would a forest be?

Rob Boffard