Girl Peculiar. Kings Arms, Salford.

After meeting up with Jenny Shuttleworth (AKA Girl Peculiar) a few weeks ago, salfordmusic was keen to finally go and see her live. And when we heard that she was launching the "England's Heartbeat" single at The Kings Arms in Salford.... well, we just couldn't resist.

Anyone who has followed the musical career of Girl P will know that she first appeared on the scene a year or two ago clutching an acoustic guitar and a hatful of quirky, bittersweet, smile-inducing songs. And so this was reflected tonight. Jenny shuffled onstage looking a bit self-conscious (if that's possible in a striking red cocktail dress) and treated us to a handful of her voice-and-guitar ditties. This is where Girl Peculiar is at her most potent: It is impossible not to be enchanted by the sweet vulnerability of Jenny's voice in songs like "When I Think", and the audience here lapped it up.

After three acoustic numbers, the rest of the Girl Peculiar band joined her onstage and the tone of the evening changed somewhat. "Stay" and "Bangers & Mash" are rockier numbers, powered along by the firecracker drumming of Sophie Labrey and it is clear that GP is thoroughly enjoying this new direction that her music is taking.

The contrast between the first and second half of the live show is striking and salfordmusic personally hopes that the more thoughtful quieter numbers don't disappear from Girl Peculiar's repertoire altogether. Jenny Shuttleworth is a thoroughly engaging performer and the success of her live shows is down to the sheer force and charm of her personality.

An excellent and captivating evening.

You can order England's Heartbeat HERE.

You can listen to more Girl Peculiar stuff HERE.