Music: Spry, Power’s Bar, Kilburn

Joe Howard is Spry, an act that has been around for less than a year. In this short space of time, Joe has grown from being one-guy-with-a-guitar to a tipped alt-folk combo, aided by his four mates from Cornwall.

And as a fan of this buzz-band for a while now, I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve even had a dream about them. No, not one of those; just that their single ‘Sand Devils’ was used in an international ad campaign for Canon cameras. Er, right. Yes, I need to get out more. But the point is that Spry’s performance on Wednesday at the Power’s Bar proves that mainstream attention could well be in sight.

It was one of two launch gigs for their two simultaneous single releases; the previous night had seen a support at Dalston’s Shacklewell Arms (pictured) with Goldheart Assembly – who have just come off tour with Band Of Horses. So yes, it would seem Spry are definitely moving in the right circles and, more importantly, playing to the right crowds, mostly dividing their gigs between North and East London, particularly Camden and Hackney.

It’s a little further west tonight, but no matter. The first thing that strikes us is how great they look (again, I reiterate it wasn’t that kind of dream. Honest). A sartorial blend of Cornwall and, um, Shoreditch, these guys more importantly have it where it counts – the songs. Their set weaves and winds from tranquil moments, with Joe’s voice artfully exposed, to raucous finales where all five members give it some.

A particular highlight? New single ‘Lucid Lullaby’, as varied as a whole itself: starting with multi-instrumentalist Louis’ solitaire piano, it erupts into a harmonic delight, the crowd appreciating Spry’s passion – and responding accordingly.

My recommendation is to get down to a Spry gig as soon as you can, then you can say you saw this band before they blew up with that whole camera ad campaign.

Listen to Diletare by Spry here: