PHOTOS BY JACKIE ROMAN

Former SPIN.com Artist of the Day Jack Peñate celebrated the stateside release of his debut album, Matinée, by turning the Mercury Lounge into an English pub last night (Jan. 22). Following a pitch-perfect set from NYC retro rockers the Postelles, the ragamuffin tunesmith took to the stage, ultimately surprised by the front row dominance of his fellow countrymen and women in the audience for the first of two sold-out NYC gigs. "I apologize to you New Yorkers," joked Peñate about the many British accents sprinkled around the crowd.

Next the English popster, backed by Joel Porter on bass and Alex Robins on drums, showcased his kinetic energy and soul/rockabilly hybrid that's made him a star in his native U.K., including his signature silly dance moves and manic guitar strumming. The self-depreciating 23-year-old book-ended his hour-long performance with his two Top 20 U.K. hits, the joyful "Spit at Stars" and "Torn On the Platform." In between, Peñate charmed both Brits and Yankees, playfully explaining that he wrote the somber "When We Die" for weddings, and earnestly citing the Notorious B.I.G. as an influence. That announcement preceded the biggest surprise of the evening, an a cappella version of the Biggie Smalls tune "Dead Wrong."

We asked: In the song "Got My Favourite…," Jack Peñate cites dog tags, a Westwood coat and a gold signet ring from his mother as some of his favorite things. Since we're on the topic of favorites, what's your favorite Jack Peñate song and why?

Name: Matt Dockray
Age: 27
Hometown: Leeds, UK
Occupation: Airline cabin crew
"'Torn On the Platform.' It's a big song, just breaking through in England. As soon as you hear it on the radio, it's great."

Name: Jack Peñate
Age: 23
Hometown: London, UK
Occupation: Musician
"What do you think the audience's favorite song was? It's got to be 'Torn On the Platform.' It's obvious, a no-brainer."

Name: Clair Norden
Age: 22
Hometown: Devon, UK
Occupation: Airline cabin crew
"That's hard. To be honest, I bought Matinée and enjoy the whole album."

Name: The Postelles
Age: 19/20
Hometown: New York, NY
Occupation: Musicians
"We like 'Spit at Stars.' He's going back to a retro thing, stealing our style."

Name: Naomi Hattfield
Age: 28
Hometown: Norwich, UK
Occupation: Airline cabin crew
"'Torn On the Platform.' It's a song for us who are like 'Yeah, okay, I've made the train,' but then want to stay at home with the boyfriend."

Name: Jeng Rocha
Age: 19
Hometown: São Paolo, Brazil
Occupation: Graphic designer
"'Torn On the Platform.' I always change [this], but for now this is my favorite. I think he writes really well."

Name: Max Heller
Age: 38
Hometown: New York, NY
Occupation: Reality TV show editor
"I like 'Got My Favourite…', the dance-y one."

Name: Cesar Alvarez
Age: 27
Hometown: New York, NY
Occupation: Singer/guitar player
"The most memorable was the Biggie cover."

Peñate tearing up the 'Platform' / Photo by Jackie Roman

Belting it out at the Mercury Lounge / Photo by Jackie Roman

Brits and Yankees unite / Photo by Jackie Roman

Opening act the Postelles / Photo by Jackie Roman