KING CREOSOTE and his band bring a livingroom atmosphere to Fibbers for their tenth tour gig in as many nights.

Tables and chairs are laid out on floor space usually reserved for the huddled crowds. And even when the music starts, non-playing band members lope about the stage unfazed by the expectant eyes on them. It is intimately and endearing ad hoc. It all feels a bit like a family recital.

King Creosote, real name Kenny Anderson, is in town to promote his latest album, Flick the Vs. The indie stalwart has managed to create another stunningly downbeat, but richly rewarding, low-fi gem and he’s out to promote it.

“Have I played here before?”

he asks, as he takes to the stage.

“You played here last year,”

someone politely reminds him.

“I always seem to bring up the Wars of the Roses when I play York,” the King adds.

But the crowd are in a forgiving mood, especially when Anderson breaks into song.

Older tracks such as Pulling up Creels sit nicely with the new songs. Rims, “about being rejected by the village bike”, has a rootsy shuffle to it, while Esther’s Planet drives along nicely, with a drum machine and keyboard layered underneath Anderson’s soft, Scottish vocals.

It may be the tenth show in a row, but from the easy banter between band and crowd, and the gentle pace of the set, it gives the appearance of being on top of its game.

Given a stage and a small gathering, I think it would play every night of the year and many wouldn’t mind if they did just that.