IN the oversaturated world of guitar-based music, rock artists can sometimes be criticised for a lack of originality.

But that is not a complaint that could be levelled at Jamie Lenman. The former Reuben frontman-turned solo artist’s show had everything from a foot-stomping hoedown with If You Have to Ask You’ll Never Know to a slow-motion moshpit with The Six Fingered Hand.

Elsewhere on the night there was a scattering of hugely anthemic Reuben songs, the highlights being Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em and Parties Break Hearts.

There was time for politics too with No News Is Good News, a scathing attack on tabloid media, then Lenman helped his crowd of rockers find their softer side with the beautiful acoustic song, It’s Hard To Be A Gentleman.

Lenman’s old band Reuben formed in the late 90s becoming part of the early post-hardcore scene alongside the likes of Hell Is For Heroes and Hundred Reasons.

They had a cult following but never really broke into the mainstream despite some excellent songwriting that somehow blurred the line between heavy rock and pop.

Now making music on his own terms – currently as a two-piece with drummer Dan Kavanagh – Lenman could not be happier. In a white shirt and trousers and with a twiddly moustache and shaved head with just a flick of hair at the front, he cut an imposing figure.

But he was charming throughout, chatting and joking with the audience all night while making some nifty guitar work look easy.