C Duncan is due to play The Georgian Theatre in Stockton in early February. (As long as he’s finished his blissful power-nap before then, that is.)

C Duncan came to mine, and most other people’s attention, when he released his rather brilliant ‘Architect’ album back in 2015. The Glaswegian’s release was a revelation with its complex choral arrangements and pastoral, dreampop stylings. It was duly nominated for the Mercury Prize. He actually studied piano and viola before taking up guitar, bass and drums, and his mastery of his instruments, along with a keen ear for an arresting, ethereal melody, made him a real stand-out performer at the time. Subsequent releases such as ‘The Midnight Sun’ (2016) and ‘Alluvium’ (2022) were also critically acclaimed. His latest long-player ‘It’s Only A Love Song’ is due this January and was recorded in his “new and improved” home studio and early indications – including the gorgeous title track – show that this is a fella still intent on capturing hearts. And, it has to be said, his live shows should be filed under: heart-in-the-mouth stuff. GM

C Duncan, Sunday 2 February, Georgian Theatre, Stockton, 7pm, £15, georgiantheatre.co.uk