Yoav @ Dingwalls, 23.04.08

Conventional. Uninspiring. Dull.

South African maverick Yoav is none of these things. In fact, he couldn't be further from them.

I caught him at Dingwalls in Camden last night: the venue was busy - bustling with eager fans and curious music aficionados alike. The nature of the acoustic guitar wielding singer's sound is awe inspiring; armed only with his guitar and a loop pedal he managed to forge deep, multi-textured soundscapes to accompany his expressive vocals. Imagine any and every sound and effect you can get out of a guitar - Yoav can do it. From tapping out syncopated layered beats on the wood to singing onto the strings creating an eerie echo, what the man does with his guitar boggles the mind.

Performing a contrasting set of beat-heavy bangers and more conventional melodic strummers, the South African effectively showed his versatility. Mid-set he unleashed single 'Club Thing' on the crowd, and as if some mysterious force had taken over their bodies every single soul started moving, entranced by the beat, singing the chorus. After performing killers 'Adore Adore', 'Beautiful Lie' and 'There Is Nobody' among a whole host of other songs, Yoav finished off his intense, atmospheric set to thunderous applause.

I think it's safe to say people liked it.

'Club Thing' is out on 28th April, be sure to peep it. Here's the man doing his thing with 'Beautiful Lie':