The last time I saw Iron & Wine I was part of a captive audience in more ways than one when a bomb scare next door effectively quarantined us with Sam Beam and band for a wondrous evening at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall.

There was no such drama at this gig across Centenary Square at a sparsely-packed Town Hall, but I doubt any of those present would’ve noticed if there had. Making the most of the pin-drop level of attention, the still brilliantly-bearded Beam and his five-piece band proceeded to captivate once more.

And not only with beguilingly beautiful, and occasionally whimsical, music that has become Iron & Wine’s stock in trade – this time there was visual entertainment too, in the form of quirky shadow puppetry by Chicago-based duo Manual Cinema. The latter offered a nice enhancement to, although occasional distraction from (the two performers and their kit were more visible than most of the band) the tunes, which were superbly performed by an exemplary (and predominantly female) backing outfit that included two violinists.

The 90-minute set was heavily geared towards Light Verse, Beam’s first album in six years, which has a fairly playful mood (“my first official Iron & Wine comedy album”) that contrasts with its occasionally gloomy subject matter. There’s always been a warmth to the singer’s voice and bittersweet musings though, as instant classic Anyone’s Game and All In Good Time – with support act Lizzie No filling in for Fiona Apple in a lovely duet – amply demonstrated.

Seven of the latest album’s ten tracks (Beam quipped we could “smell the new songs”) were weaved into a set that drew on all eras of his 22-year career, and while delightful readings of Me and Lazarus, Angels Go Home, On Your Wings and Bitter Truth (“the feel-good hit of the year”) were arguable highlights, the whole evening was like a warm hug and perfect refuge from the autumn chill outside.

4 stars

Reviewed by Steve Adams at Birmingham Town Hall on 29 October