D.M Stith

David Michael Stith's first LP, Heavy Ghost, is an appropriate titling. In the realm of “terms which simply mean everything but nothing”, the music contained on it was of a “spiritual” and ghostly nature. Now, I've never seen a ghost, but this guy plays like he shares a room with one... or at least gets his piano tuned by some sort of spirit.

The approach to percussion is rather novel – no full kit, a strap-on bass drum is the main implement as it is banged infrequently but at appropriate intervals throughout. Those weird whirly-swirly things that you swing round your head to make a whistling noise also make a surprise appearance. Each song ebbs and flows, as does the set. But for a brief lull about half-way through, everything is completely encapsulating. Stith is a man who wails, but does so somehow reservedly; delicately. There's simply too much high-pitched melody for comparisons to Andrew Bird to hold much water, but things fit into a very similar shaped pigeon-hole to the Birdman.

In the narrow but grand (it has a balcony...) setting of Hoxton Hall, the two-tiered stage hosts Stith and a backing band. Ironically enough, they are drawn in on both sides - and behind - by a claret curtain. Ironic it is, because this is music which could well be played behind the curtain rather than in front of it. Playing a guitar – when it stays in tune – with eyes shut is telling, as it's really how it should be listened to. Without resorting to some “spirit rising up from within him” bullshit, the moments I close my eyes are when each chords and drum-strike makes the most sense, both emotionally and musically.

As 'Braid Of Voices' begins, the lights dim and the music slows. The only thing that is moving is mirrorball suspended 30 feet above. Everything at that moment feels in place, eyes fixed onto the silvery globe as though it's the centre of the universe. Two girls clutch onto a pillar, peering round to see Stith, who is hidden by the crowd in the corner with the piano. The band play as normal, the vocals leave the P.A and Stith is invisible to most – as though he is not there, but a spectre.

Though Stith's approach to the construction of a musical piece is almost novel, a struggle against familiarity is the biggest battle he faces. On what is heard tonight, in fits and starts, it will not be too hard for a man of this calibre to overcome this. Heavy Ghost was a record which promised much, delivered some, but still held a little in reserve, us waiting with anticipation for the record where he gets it ALL together ALL of the time. Live, he's edging ever closer to potential fulfilment of his talents.