Lerche started his set alone, with only a guitar. He proceeded to play through a charming set drawn equally from his debut album, "Faces Down," his 2004 sophomore full length 2004, "Two Way Monologue," and 2003's EP, "Don't Be Shallow."

Lerche's most recent LA appearance was supporting Air (who played with full orchestra) and Stereolab at the Hollywood Bowl. For the middle section of Thursday's set he was joined onstage by a charming violinist named Daphne who he met while working on the show at the Bowl. The violin added a striking level of sonic depth to Lerche's guitar and voice - the addition of strings to Lerche's already poignant songs brought lumps to many throats.

He closed by asking the members of the Golden Republic back on, who served as his band for the last several songs of the set. These included many of the singles - including the title songs from "Don't Be Shallow" and "Two Way Monologue."

It finally became clear why these very different artists have spent so much time on tour together recently: despite some stylistic differences, they work together very well. The addition of the Golden Republic made Lerche's best known songs sound fresh, with a crisp rock and roll edge, while Lerche's sweetness and jazziness forced the guys in the Golden Republic to tone down the rock a bit. Both managed to pull it off with aplomb - turns out Lerche can rock as well as croon, and the Golden Republic can swing as well as rock.

Though there's no lack of competition for the title of most underrated songwriter, Sondre Lerche's audiences at the Troubadour last week witnessed an unassailable argument for the Norwegian front runner.

Read more:

• Sondre Lerche Official Site


• The Golden Republic Official Site


• Astralwerks Records site


• Read more from Matthew Poe