The Midnight Sun was released in October 2016 and is the second album from Glasgow composer, songwriter and musician C Duncan. It followed the release of the hugely successful debut album Architect on Fatcat Records. Tonight C Duncan is performing at The Caves in Edinburgh with folk-pop band Modern Studies also on the bill. It is the last night of their latest UK tour and both bands clearly want to end on a high.

The support act is a combination of several talented musicians including songwriters Rob St John and Emily Scott. Modern Studies work perfectly together and perform a fine selection tracks from debut album Swell To Great and also some equally enjoyable new songs. The sound is haunting and works brilliantly in the eerie and ghostly venue. The subtle vocals and beautiful songs echo around the room and the audience remain transfixed throughout. Modern Studies are returning to Edinburgh during the Fringe Festival to perform three special shows at Stockbridge Church and if tonight is a taster, then it will be a fantastic show.

Now that The Midnight Sun has had several months to sink in, it’s obvious that C Duncan is a massive talent and prepared to make giant leaps forwards with each album. Tonight he takes to the stage with a guitarist, bass player and drummer. C Duncan himself spends the majority of the concert playing a keyboard and is placed proud and prominent at centre stage. The sound of the band is hypnotic and mesmerising. With each song they present eloquent and expressive electronic pop music that feels sublime and enriching; the new album sounds even better in a live setting, with the track Jupiter providing a stirring and affecting soundtrack to the evening.

An absolute highlight of the performance is the acoustic rendition of the track Castle Walls. Taking advantage of the reverb-heavy room, C Duncan picks up his acoustic guitar and invites his band to forsake their instruments and join him on vocals. The result is a magical and moving composition that leaves the audience statuesque and in absolute silence… at its conclusion, the four-piece are greeted with a rapturous applause that lasts almost as long as the track itself. It feels like the crowd just witnessed something truly special and memorable.

The headlining set seems rather short, but the band are greeted back on stage for an encore. This consists of an old song (Architect) followed by the bass-heavy and upbeat Wanted to Want It Too from the latest album. The two tracks showcase the talent of the band and the tender and poignant nature of the music that C Duncan creates.