Chosen as an intimate venue to try out her new material, the small back room of the Water Rats was full to bursting, and, after 3 support acts, those gathered were clearly eager for the arrival of the main act, Eliza Carthy.

Deftly setting up the equipment in less than 15 minutes, Eliza dispensed with the usual conventions choosing to launch straight in as soon as all her band were in place. Opening with a brand new track ’Thursday’ (fitting seeing as it was actually Thursday) she implored us not to take offence, since the track is all about wanting to go home!

Drawing heavily on Phil Alexander’s keyboard skills, the track is beautifully melodic but at the same time incredibly dark, setting a mournful but eerily pleasing tone to the evening.

We had been warned at the beginning of the set that a veritable host of various miserable stories and situations awaited us, even when, at first listen, they may seem innocuous. New track ’Hansel’ or ’Breadcrumbs’ is definitely one such example - using the story of Hansel & Gretel as a metaphor for losing your way in life. But instead of a mournful lament, the track made the most of having five insanely talented musicians on stage, creating a rich and complex texture as if there were a big band alongside them. The overall effect was truly breathtaking, even if the tune did trick you into thinking that there might be a happier ending.

But even though the smaller venue offered a chance to hear some brand new tracks, there was still plenty of opportunity for audience participation, and the assembled crowd was certainly in fine voice & ready to join in with some of Eliza’s most popular songs. ’Mr Magnifico’ was a particular hit, raising a loud cheer both as it was announced and when it came to its miserable but inevitable conclusion.

With so many people crammed into such a small place, I can hardly describe just how warm it was, and unfortunately it wasn’t just the people who were feeling the heat - the instruments were also suffering, but ever the professional the band took it in their stride - retuning without complaint whenever necessary.

Bookending the set with new tracks, Eliza showcased 5 in total, all of them fabulously unique. ’Britain is a carpark’ was her final number and it seemed as if it’s quickly become a favourite for many who were in the audience.

I know from previous experience that the Water Rats do like to showcase as many bands as possible each evening, but having 3 support acts meant the night got off to a slow start. But as much as the wait raised expectations, there was no room for disappointment, as I was reminded, once again how much talent there is in the folk world - swapping instruments at ease and filling gaps effortlessly with an instinctive banter - Eliza is not only an incredible musician, but a natural performer.

Fabulous.