Following his remarkable rise from busking on the streets of Byron Bay to selling out venues across the globe, Australian singer-songwriter Ziggy Alberts arrived at the Irish Centre in Leeds on a tour that ends at London’s Royal Albert Hall. His rise to fame is even more exceptional when Alberts has done this independently; his most recent album, New Love, comes via his own label, Commonfolk Records.

Alberts has built a career defined by heartfelt storytelling and touring – his third visit to Leeds was received like a homecoming welcome for the unassuming singer. Looking like he had come straight from a mid-seventies pop group, he even joked to the Leeds audience that even his hairstyle might not be that fashionable.

The barefooted singer didn’t need any excuse about his own style; his music is a throwback to artists such as Cat Stevens and Peter Sarstedt – not that any of many of tonight’s audience would have heard of the two singers; more like the grandparents of the mainly twenty-something audience Albert appears to appeal to.

Days in the Sun brought the warmth of an Australian summer to a chilly autumnal night, whilst Where Does the Love Go? questioned why his songs are not better known beyond his own fanbase.

Coming down into the audience to play three songs broke the ice even further; as he joyfully played away, it was a reminder of his former busking days. The strong connection Alberts has with his fans seemed complete.

Stronger, a song about vulnerability and perseverance, was another highlight in a set that had no grand visuals or fireworks to distract from the music, which reflected his ethos of minimalism and direction that brought the Leeds audience into his space of thoughtfulness, reflection and freedom.

Alberts has followed his own independent path that has now led to his third worldwide tour – after tonight’s compelling show, that path seemed endless.