Karine Polwart @ Mechanics, Burnley

9:30am Saturday 15th March 2008

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THIS may have been the 'diet' version of Karine Polwart's live shows - just her, her brother Steven and accordionist Inge Thompson - but they more than made up for a lack of numbers with the quality of their performance.

Although you'll always find Karine filed away under folk, she's very much of the modern breed. Her songs cover topics ranging from HIV, Trident missiles and her new-born son.

It is these songs which have seen her take several BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards - and you can see why; strong, powerful and moving lyrics combined with haunting melodies and charming harmonies.

At the Mechanics, we were treated to songs from her two new albums, the more commercial This Earthly Spell and the traditional Fairest Floo'er, plus various visits into the back catalogue.

In between songs, Karine enchanted the audience with her Borders' lilt - there was even an interval quiz involving the band and a boxing machine (you probably had to be there!) But at the heart of everything was the music which lifted the spirits and played with your emotions.

The tight vocal harmonies never once faltered and added an extra dimension to the live experience.

Highlights included the brooding Sorry (inspired by the riff from the TV show Deadwood) and a glorious singalong version of Only One Way.

A great night out.