Over the years, Canada hasn’t exactly become known as a Mecca of quality musical talent. Once you unplug the aging Neil Young and burn your overrated Arcade Fire albums, what you’re left with is Chad Kroeger and a somewhat English-like population, albeit with better teeth and a higher liquor tolerance (Oi! I could drink any Canadian under a table – Ed). But Cannuck bashing aside, over the past couple of weeks I’ve fallen in love with Montreal-based Patrick Watson and their latest album, Closer to Paradise; it’s due for a UK release through V2 later in the year. So tonight I make my way down town to catch the second of their London shows.

The dimly lit Soho Revue Bar, complete with its red lighting and dance poles was, to say the least, a strangely juxtaposed venue for a group that mixes sweet and earnest pop sensibilities with murky churning rhythms; the four-piece, named after their central singer, create a sound that is lush, atmospheric and always beautiful. Later in the evening, the band muse that they made their debut public performance in a “porno bar”, and pay homage to that fact by dedicating ‘Weight Of The World’ to the sex industry. To the delight of the assembled punters, Watson (the man) finally jumps onto one of the stripper poles for a truly enchanting performance of ‘Man Under The Sea’, leading to a flurry of derogatory comments from the audience. Many a female spectator seems desperate to put a fiver down his trousers.

Whilst it’s a truly memorable night for audience and band alike, one can’t help but think that the strip-bar ambiance lacks a certain intimacy, and that the intensity of these songs could be so much more enjoyed more while sitting out on a rooftop, watching the sun rise. Still, regardless of what live context they are seen in, Patrick Watson are still unique, unpretentious, and move through their material with ostensible delight.

Other highlights of the evening include ‘Drifters’ and ‘Luscious Life’, both of which will keep those Jeff Buckley and Antony Hegarty comparisons coming. Watson himself has an incredible voice: gentle and incisive yet rich with emotion. Closer To Paradise will continue to be played on repeat on my headphones for some time to come – next time they're in town, take the opportunity to witness a live show and you’ll be won over for yourself. Throw Watson a fiver if he takes off his top, too. He’ll no doubt appreciate it.