Hidden Gems by Saloman

Nick Saloman has been churning out psychedelia and heart-wrenching folk-pop for two decades under the musical moniker of the Bevis Frond. Recently, the Englishman’s songwriting has won over folkie Mary Lou Lord and Scottish rock band Teenage Fanclub, who have both done versions of his songs.

Playing Spaceland on Monday during a rare U.S. tour, the London-based singer, songwriter and guitarist made it clear that his cult following is definitely on to something. He may have written some of the best songs you’ve never heard.

An unprepossessing figure in a baggy white T-shirt and with long, frizzy hair, Saloman--playing alongside ex-Hawkwind bassist Adrian Shaw and drummer Andy Ward--nimbly delved into winding psychedelia that somehow still felt vital. He’s a great guitarist, but it wasn’t until he dug into his singer-songwriter side that the guitar-obsessed rocker turned into someone honestly swoon-worthy.

A master at gracefully conjuring a blend of sweet pathos and bitter bite, he peaked during the rock-fan lament “Stars Burn Out,” the ex-lover’s appeal “He’d Be a Diamond,” the punky cry “Hole Song No. 2” and the more subtle and sad “The Wind Blew All Around Me”--most of which are on the Bevis Frond’s 11th record, “North Circular.”

In the end, this set revealed that it is probably Saloman’s far-reaching, uncompromising vision--one that embraces the legacies of Cream and Jimi Hendrix, Nick Drake and Ray Davies--that keeps him in the shadows today.