Brent Cowles is just as good unplugged, live in London

It’s just him, an acoustic guitar, and his singing partner Heidi on stage at Thousand Island, the intimate space above The Garage in Islington. It’s surprising, considering the full, plugged-in, rollicking sound that he has on his Cold Times EP and on much of his debut album, How To Be Okay Alone. But it’s a sign of how confident Cowles is in his ability to project his impassioned blend of soul, gospel and Americana rock into the room. Forget amps turned up to 10 and the crunchy twang of electric guitars. There’s no need for that tonight. The moment he strums the first chords of "December Sun" – a cut that goes way back to the days of his previous band, You, Me & Apollo – and starts singing, the space and the people in it are completely his.

Cowles entire discography clocks in at under an hour, and that’s great news in terms of seeing him live. It means the diminutive singer-songwriter shows off his full repertoire, and every mode of that incredible weapon he has at his disposal – that voice – to jaw-dropping effect. At times it floats delicately, absolutely enchanting, like during the tender "9th & Lafayette" and stirring set-closer "How To Be Okay Alone". At others it’s full of a hip-shaking attitude, packing a punch, as it does when the "Tequila Train" and "Cold Times" roll in.

Throughout the evening, the synchronicity and companionship on show between Brent and Heidi is quite special. She constantly watches him, harmonising beautifully with his singing. They gently kiss their foreheads together at the end of a song. A touching moment. You can practically hear the hearts swelling in the room. The two sing these songs for each other tonight, from deep down in their souls, and it’s a joy to witness. This is music full of passion and feeling, intensely personal. Totally absorbing. Utterly dazzling.