Review: Steve Mason ****

FOR those who don't know, The Beta Band were one of the best British pop bands to emerge during the 1990s, but despite four inspired albums, they never truly enjoyed mainstream success and split up in 2004.

While some members went on to form The Aliens, former lead singer Steve Mason did his own thing and released music in the guise of King Biscuit Time and Black Affair before this year's Boys Outside, his first proper solo album and one of the best UK releases of 2010.

Built around his soulful voice and acoustic guitar, with understated production by pop supremo Richard X, it is a collection of tender and sometimes melancholic but ultimately life-affirming songs. But he is no pushover - listen to some of his lyrics and you will hear an angry young man at work.

Last week's audience saw this side up close in the intimate setting of the Brudenell Social Club, though they also got a healthy dose of humour from the Scot, who jokingly asked the West Yorkshire audience if they'd seen any giant rats recently.

Backed for much of the time by a tight three-piece band, Mason covered most of Boys Outside and some choice highlights from King Biscuit Time - C I Am 15 and I Walk the Earth - in a compact and enjoyable set.

In between songs, he poured scorn on ageing punks John Lydon and Iggy Pop for selling butter and insurance in television commercials, talked about marching on the Houses of Parliament and the City of London and implored the twenty- and thirtysomething audience to "smash the state" and "fight the power".

"I'm not one for nostalgia," he said in the encore, before introducing a thrilling acoustic version of Dr Baker, one of The Beta Band's most treasured songs.

That's no cause for concern, on the evidence of his current form.