Live Review: Mikhael Paskalev, Rainy Day Women

A crowded Chevron Gardens on the final night of festivities bore testament to the popularity and draw of the venue, with many a punter heard lamenting that it's not a permanent fixture, or  that it could at least run all Summer long. The garden crowd slowly converted to a concert crowd as Rainy Day Women took the stage, looking as though they couldn't believe where they were playing, but taking control of the stage none the less. As the set wore on they seemed to settle into the routine, blasting the swelling throng with summery pop tunes and beginning to make use of the stage space. Songs were sung about “wanting to screw your music teacher”, in amongst introductions to the band's forthcoming debut album – that will be one to look out for.

A short changeover and Mikhael Paskalev took to the stage, expressing his disbelief at performing to such a large crowd so far from his Norwegian home. Upbeat offering to an ex-girlfriend Susie opened proceedings, with Paskalev showing his ability to carry a stage by himself. The set that followed was a feast for the ears, with Paskalev's full band backing him perfectly as they roared through a list of harmony-fuelled pop tunes, reminiscent of the likes of Vampire Weekend and Dirty Projectors. The crisp, multi-layered harmonies were mind-blowing, the band following Paskalev's lead effortlessly as he careened his way through his acrobatic range. Crowd favourite, I Spy drew a roar of approval as the harmonica came out for the opening strains, before a few more songs brought us to the end of the set with “cowboy disco” tune, Dust taking us to a quick encore break. A solo rendition of Hey Joseph closed out the set, as if the audience needed any more proof of Paskalev's vocal ability.