The Autumn Defense @ Cabaret Voltaire, 4 Sep

American solo act Plush, AKA Liam Hayes, bumbles on stage with an electric guitar looking a tad confused. His set, selected from his current four albums, is flawless. Lyrically and melodically he represents something of a Bowie renaissance. Opening track Take it or Leave it says it all; he's going to enjoy himself regardless.

Finally, former Wilco members Pat Sansone and John Stirratte are joined by drummer Greg Wiz to represent this particular tour's incarnation of The Autumn Defense. The tight three-piece are quick to start with 2007 track Canyon Arrow - think floating brown leaves and sunshine in California state. Perfect harmonies cut clean through their acoustic guitar and piano melodies. The tracks keep flowing, mainly from 2003 release Circles and the self-titled The Autumn Defense. Anyone expecting Wilco-esque leanings will be disappointed, however, as this band is cleaner, at times almost cliched and, well, not quite as engaging in the main. [Simon Hay]