The Holywell Music Room in Oxford is, according to rumour, the oldest music venue in Europe. And while sounding far fetched, it certainly fits the bill.

It may come across as an austere chapel, but given the right artist, it provides a wonderfully uplifting setting, with acoustics to die for. One band who have discovered its minimalist charms are Binsey-based country-rockers The Epstein, who played their second date there just three days after effectively closing down the slightly more raucous Zodiac.

A select crowd filed onto the antique benches to have their eardrums tickled and souls lifted by three acts with a keen understanding of the power of vocal harmony. First up were whimsical Gaelic-tinged pop band Stornaway, appropriately introduced by their keenest champion, BBC Radio Oxford's Tim Bearder - who, after his triumphant handling of The Zodiac's final bash, has cornered the market as a professional compere.

Next, bringing a flavour of rural Ontario, was Canadian singer-songwriter Ox, who filled the space with beautifully uncluttered songs and banter. But it was headliners The Epstein we were here to see. And they did not disappoint.

With the crowd still recovering from their barn-storming Zodiac show, the lads served up a deliciously mellow set, perfectly suited for this warm Sunday evening. Most of the favourites were there - Black Dog and Leave Your Light On included. But, for once, there was no singalong and no stomping. Not even from their frantic dancer Hamu, who watched calmly from the back.

Instead, it was left to the band to fill the air with that rare combination of vocal harmony, slide guitar and country rhythms, that can't help but prick up the hairs on the back of your neck.