The revamped Shack have clearly been less idle in the two-year gap since their tempting debut LP, Zilch, faded away.
Leader Michael Head remains at the helm, along with 12-string scoring brother John, but fresh incumbents Peter Wilkinson (bass) and drummer Alan Willis have already begun to carve a niche in their desirable, blissed-out approach.
Perhaps, expectedly, Michael’s trouser inches have increased around his ankles, but Shack still retain their individual knack of tapping a wistful melody at its source: a gift summed up by the joyful new single I Know You Well.
The set ignores Zilch and concentrates on the shape of things to come: the intriguing Al’s Vacation and absorbing DJ Ace striding out in newly laced kickers.
Repeated exposure in more demanding venues will assess this rebuilt Shack’s true staying power, but tonight their easy-going pop flair lit a candle that burned agreeably into the small hours.
