Panda Su

The beardsmen of The Last of Barrett’s Privateers are first up tonight, dealing in that strident brand of folk made popular by Mumford & Sons. Opener 'Harbour of Wool' is typical of their more upbeat moments, with banjos and ukuleles adding a high-strung propulsion to their close-harmony melodies and earthy lyrics. The sombre 'Jeremiah' is warm and sorrowful, proving them to be at their best when they are being themselves.

Less hairy (but still with a beard or two on show) The Occasional Flickers’ sound is like a lazy stretch on a sunny afternoon. They never stray from their major chord-driven bittersweet wanderings, and this takes something away from their dynamic as a live band. Relying on the tunes to this extent calls for a melodic nuance that doesn’t quite shine through on the first listen.

Impossible to accuse of lacking nuance, this evening’s top draw seem intent on going out with whisper rather than a bang. Here is Panda Su’s most pared-back and traditional manifestation - just singer/guitarist Su Shaw and multi-instrumentalist counterpart, Adam Philips – even Shaw’s trademark panda makeup remains in its compact. The result is a night of unflinching candour.

The set draws mainly from the brilliant Sticks and Stones, with songs like 'Moviegoer' and 'Stung By a Bee' relying on a slowly building hook that draws you in for the emotional punch. And it is a punch. What is impressive is that in a setting where this sort of stuff can become cloying, Shaw carries it off with understated aplomb. 'The Alphabet Song' and 'Eric is Dead' are the night’s highlight’s, displaying a song-writing freedom and confidence reminiscent of Soviet Kitsch-era Regina Spektor.

Before the closing track, Shaw announces tonight’s gig as being their last in Edinburgh until February, and there’s a genuine sigh of disappointment from the audience. Heartfelt is a word a little overused to describe artists these days, but, when it comes to Panda Su it’s apt. As the last line repeats "The salt water stains my eyes" it’s exciting to wonder what’s in store for the poignant Fife duo.