When he is in his own country, Sydney-born Matt Corby comes with the stigma of being the runner-up in Australian Idol.But as he branches out and forges a career in Europe , audiences see his music for exactly what it is – dark, wistful, melancholic, beautiful.

Corby was just 16 when he reached the final in the much-maligned TV franchise but since then has gone about his business away from the glare of prime-time TV.

In Australia, he has established himself as a credible solo artist of genuine talent.

Corby's UK breakthrough single attracted plaudits but failed to launch him into the mainstream in the way it should have. Brother, released last autumn, is the song which catapulted him back into the limelight down under. And it is the number the crowd at the i Arena – perfectly nestled under a canopy in the Latitude woods – most want to hear.

As soon as Corby opens his mouth, the crowd fall silent. There is an awe as his stripped-back set masterfully moves from the triumphant to the traumatic. The emotional honesty of his songwriting is unflinching and enchanting.

As the final note echoed out the crowd were surely left to ponder whether others will be able to enjoy a talent of Corby 's magnitude in a venue this small.

'This is our last show of the tour before we go home,' Corby told the audience. Let's hope he comes back again soon.