David Bazan @ Broadcast, 28 January

Since 2006, Seattle’s David Bazan has been through a tortured renunciation of Christianity, disbanded Pedro the Lion and Headphones, released two solo LPs, and launched a new project, Overseas. Despite this turbulence, however, Bazan’s output remains resolutely focused. His career has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the art of incisive, introspective songcraft, eschewing the neo-folk gloss which has dominated US singer-songwriter output of late.

The value of such dedication is evident in the loyalty of Bazan’s following, and an impressive crowd is present for a stormy Monday in January. Opener Marco Z capitalises: his wry, country-driven accounts of embarrassing online dating experiences and smalltown drudgery may lack the emotional depth of Bazan’s work, but there’s an assured grasp of melody here that wins the room over.

On stage, Bazan manages to entwine affability with a kind of humble gravitas, and he plays a generously long set, joining the dots between his various projects. Pedro classics like Of Up and Coming Monarchs, in particular, are imbued with a naked intensity in this stripped-down form. His struggles with faith mean that certain songs are absent; but Bazan’s need to maintain this kind of close relationship with his work demonstrates his rare artistic integrity.