GUY Garvey writes lyrics like the rest of us breathe air.

He makes the mundane poetic, the everyday exotic.

Train stations, arguments, ordinary life - in the hands of someone as erudite as Garvey - become pieces of art.

That these songs were performed in the atmospheric setting of Dalby Forest, just added to the experience.

As the sun began to set, Elbow walked on stage, unassuming, and with the minimum of fuss.

A simple introduction and Garvey and Co. broke into Any Day Now.

Rather than rushing headlong into their more powerful numbers, this was a more laid back start, but perfectly suited to the environs.

The crowd, too, were relaxed in their response, respectful, but probably less immediately enthused than those who had watched the band the night previous at Glastonbury.

"We woke up a bit ropey, but we've had a lovely day in the trees with the birdies," said Garvey, by way of explanation.

After performing Fly Boy Blue/Lunette, the frontman realised that many of those in front of him might not have been diehard fans.

"We will have to put the set list on Instagram," he said with a smile. "And then we can collect your metadata."

While they, and I, for that matter, might not have been familiar with many of the songs before Saturday night, Garvey's approach ensured sales would definitely see a spike over the weekend.

The likes of Station Approach, Switching Off, All Disco, New York Morning and Mirrorball were performed with such perfection they knocked many of their contemporaries into a cocked hat.

But this was so much more than just a run through of the band's catalogue to date.

Conversation played just as important a part in the proceedings, with Garvey regaling us with anecdotes, explaining the stories behind the songs, addressing individuals in the crowd and, at one point, even acting as peacemaker after an apparent spat broke out between two couples.

"Love, peace and togetherness," he said, with just the hint of displeased father in his voice.

The night was wrapped up with One Day Like this and an encore of Lippy Kids and Grounds For Divorce, the final note drifting lightly on the breeze, leaving behind just the memory of a quite memorable night.