One of the best things about Nineties indie band Gene was lead singer Martin Rossiter’s atmospheric and melodic vocals.

When the singer-songwriter stepped on the Colchester Arts Centre stage, all those memories came flooding back. I’m pleased to say Martin has lost none of his stage presence, or ability to move an audience to tears.

From the first song, the Only Thing I Got From You Was My Name, his souring, emotionally-drenched voice held everyone captive.

It was just Martin, and a pianist, for nearly an hour and a half, and apart from one annoying gig-goer politely told to shut up midway through his set, not another word was uttered from anyone else.

Anyone who has been to an arts centre gig before will tell you that’s an impressive feat. Mind you, Martin’s set had been well set up by Vanessa Knight, who now lives in Birmingham, but is Colchester born and bred, and Brighton band Sweet, Sweet Lies.

Martin rounded off the night with a spine-tinkling rendition of Villagers’ 27 Strangers and Gene classic, Olympian.

Neil D'Arcy-Jones