Meet your new king of ostentatious pop: Meilyr Jones live in London

After teasing us with a handful of tracks written in the wake of the break-up of his former band Race Horses, Jones unleashed his explosive debut full-length 2013 back in March, and from then on he’s been on a steady rise. And it’s clear Jones is aware of this fact, as his confidence exuded through London’s Village Underground during tonight’s show (6 October).

After strutting on stage in an all encompassing red, faux leather jump suit he broke into 2013’s stellar opener “How To Recognise A Work Of Art”, backed by a five-piece band with trumpets in tow.

But the strength of Jones' charisma ultimately lies in his subtlety. This was borne out as the band left the stage to give him space at the keys to perform an intimate rendition of "Refugees", the delicate melody resonating through the cavernous space.

What followed was a slew of 2013 stand-outs, including a blistering rendition of "Strange Emotional", it's inspiration laid bear by a faithful retelling of the intro to Bowie's "Rebel Rebel", and a full-on version of "Featured Artist", during which Jones hit apex gesticulation, perfectly echoing the tongue-in-check, burned out has-been lyrics of the song.

When most artists return for an encore, they up the pace and crank everything ‘up to eleven’. But Jones ended his set by doing exactly the opposite. Calling for the mics to be turned off, he stood centre stage accompanied by only two violins to end the set with a tender rendition of album closer "Be Soft".

This has to be the first time I've ever stood in a genuinely captivated and completely silent crowd in a London venue. It was a beautiful thing. And that's something that can certainly be said for the entire show itself. Move over Morrissey - Meilyr Jones is the new king of ostentatious pop.

Setlist

How To Recognise A Work Of Art
Passionate Friend
Don Juan
Olivia
Refugees
Strange Emotional
Love
All Is Equal In Love
Return To Life
Featured Artist
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Be Soft