Nu-folkish Bobby Long’s steel string thrumming, much in the vein of London contemporaries Mumford & Sons, Noah and the Whale and Laura Marling, has lent him million plus MySpace listens prior to a full length studio album.

When Bobby hits a stage lit by vile lights spinning as cogwheels (think Vegas strip club), the circa 50 fan-cluster up front screeched and yelped. This fan base was hooked on Bobby’s ’09 tour that spanned the North American continent in over 100 shows.

He is We preceded Long, pulling the crowd to the floor. The drums and hefty strumming initially suggested a Kings of Leon of sorts. Mid-set, though, it was clear that Seattle vocalist Rachel Taylor is more of a DIY, hipster Taylor Swift fronting a pretty fresh Coldplay.

Then it was time for flannel-sporting Bobby, who had practiced for two days with the Kalob Griffin Band. From the start it was clear that the outcome would be tight. On the opener, Rob Dwyer’s ad lib Stratocaster licks called to mind the Allman Brothers. And by the ending of song number two, “Who Have You Been Loving,” – a radio ballad here turned rock anthem – the charge-by-the-hour-motel lighting was forgotten.

A third of the way in, Bobby pulled a Dylan, dropped the band, and went solo with harmonica and all. On “The Bounty of Mary Jane” and “Stranger Song,” a frog found itself just right in his throat, instigating a fitting smoky gruffness. It didn’t even matter that Bobby’s cockney drawl in between songs was almost impossible to decipher.

Then Kalob & co. returned and the show peaked in full band mode with the second-to-last “Two Years Old.” Starting out acoustic, the must-dance song anchored hearts with its flammable chorus. To foot-stomping percussion, Bobby sang, “Left my blood on the beach, for the tide to take me home.”

Bereft of encore, the crowd still looked to be satisfied when Bobby Long was all bled out after 14 songs. Although a lot of his songs are similar, he’s got heart, soul and talent. Keep your eyes peeled for the debut studio album, which is to be produced by Liam Watson. Also, kudos to the Kalob Griffin Band for a deft execution of the Long catalog after a mere two-day run through.