Tonight sees The Shires roll into Gateshead on the crest of a wave, having broken the Top Ten with their debut. It's no surprise that this beautiful hall is packed to the rafters as we arrive as support John and Jacob are closing out their set. These two guys exude the spirit of Nashville and unsurprisingly they’re closing out with a track that was featured in the Nashville TV show.

As we kick ourselves wishing that we had been there earlier, the stage is reset for The Shires to make their entrance. They’re at the forefront of a country invasion in the UK, and borne off the back of the TV show , this duo has perfected some incredible tracks all of which are on show this evening.

'Nashville Grey Skies' is beautiful, and does really highlight their country sound. For some people it seems to be odd that these guys are British but they do make it quite apparent, the track 'Made In England' really highlights their pride in their home country.

It is quite clear to see why these guys have shot to such popularity so quickly; they have a really accessible and interesting sound. 'State Lines' brings proceedings down a notch, yet it only goes to highlight the beauty and the depth in this duos lyrics. There’s an obvious leaning toward American themes which runs throughout the evening.

Yet the stand out track for us this evening, is the wonderful 'Brave' this over excited crowd are completely hushed as they mesmerise us all with their incredible talents. The track itself is so delicate and so sweet, perhaps one of the most touching moments we’ve experienced in a while.

In a music industry crammed so full of bluster, and generic singer songwriter boredom, The Shires are offering something completely different and unique in the current popular scene, we’re sure that this will not remain that way for long. For us it was an adventure outside of our normal comfort zone, yet one we relished and truly enjoyed, these guys are currently honing their craft but it wont be long before they’re in considerably larger venues.

Seldom few artists take to the stage as part of the support band. However, this evening is somewhat different with the crème de la crème of Welsh music on show. First up this evening is one of our favourite up and coming acts H. Hawkline; his dulcet welsh tones mesmerising, his stories touching.

He has the most beautiful songs, and tracks like ‘Rainy Summer’ for example tug on the heartstrings. There’s a real depth and heart to this evening's set, a real star in the making. What we can’t help but notice though is that Huw’s backing band is made up of both Sweet Baboo and Cate Le Bon herself, turning tonight in to a real family affair.

With a very short break we find ourselves being hustled back into this beautiful venue as Cate Le Bon takes to that stage. Opening up with the fabulous ‘No God,’ the darkened stage and the black clad band adding to the atmosphere. Highlighting an apparent interest in choreographed dance moves, Cate struts around the stage making her presence truly felt.

That is the striking thing about Le Bon is the way she commands the stage, the beauty of her songs shines through but so too does her impressive presence. One track, which really stands out head and shoulders above the others, is ‘I Can’t Help You.’ The paisley influence to it is absolutely brilliant. piquing our interest from its opening chords.

Her beautiful delivery adds to the delicacy of the lyrics, and there’s something truly captivating about her performance. We’re entranced by this set, especially when Cate delivers the big guns in the form of a rousing rendition of ‘Wild’. The earlier delicacy is thrown out of the window, replaced by something altogether different.

We’re blown away by the change in tempo it’s a garage rock behemoth that takes us by surprise. Cate is taking the opportunity to show all of her facets, moving effortlessly from this highly energetic track to the much more chilled out ‘The Man I Wanted' in what's a restoration of the earlier beauty, and if anything this is slightly more relaxed. It is safe to say this evening is something of a roller coaster.

Cate seems convinced that she sounds sarcastic because of her accent, but we believe her and we’re sure she was truly enjoying herself this evening. She closes out with the brilliant ‘Fold The Cloth,’ the track possess so many of this evenings elements. There's the screeching guitars and delicate vocals; the perfect culmination to this evening's main set.

Returning to the stage, Le Bon treats us to a cover of Thin Lizzy’s iconic ‘Wild One,’ there couldn’t be a better way to end this evening as Cate puts her own spin on this classic track. We cannot help but swoon over the beauty this evening held, Cate has captured both our hearts and minds with her stage presence, and at times, ear splitting volume.