Opening with Unravel, from her newly released fifth studio album Carving Canyons, Lissie had already allured and captivated this mixed and energetic Cardiff audience. What Lissie does with absolute ease and conviction is give you a no-bullshit performance: storytelling that connects with the audience with its every rasping breath. By song three, Flowers, I was hooked: this one was perfectly harmonised with Hannah Ashcroft, who had opened the evening with her own set.  Demure and beguiling, Ashcroft only enhanced the effect.

Throughout the set, Lissie was equally authentic, telling us of the emotional heartbreak she had recently encountered: from this, you can see how this body of work has been produced. Residing on a farm in northeast Iowa, she shares her love of her dog, gardening, watching the change of the seasons and the post-pandemic world. She’s full of gratitude from the audience, and emphasises her love of Wales – there are, we learn, no less than three Welshmen who live in her home town. This brings us into the beautifully apt Oh Mississippi, which transports you to another ethereal, almost surreal gospel-anthemic place.

The chemistry of her band fits perfectly, too. Some members have been with her for over 10 years, and there are some real highlights from lead guitarist Sam Quinn. Someone requests They All Want You from the front of the crowd; with a graceful versatility, Lissie starts the first few lines solo with her guitar, before the band joins in, to the delight of the room.

A 16-song set ends with the sublimely evocative Night Moves, before Lissie comes back with Everywhere I Go and Little Lovin by way of an encore, coming offstage and dancing with the delighted crowd to finish. Comparisons-wise, I hear Stevie Nicks, maybe Sheryl Crow, or even Miley Cyrus – there was some Shania Twain in there for me too – but one thing’s for sure, Lissie is her own force of nature on that stage.

Lissie + Hannah Ashcroft, Tramshed, Cardiff, Wed 15 Feb

words ANNA BRYL photos ANTHONY CONWAY