One Lone Boy

The man behind the One Lone Boy moniker is Nikki Murray, whose voice has been described by Sir Paul McCartney no less than one of the most distinctive he's ever heard. Some of the inspiration for the four tracks here comes from a short spell in Texas, where he was taken by his wife in order to get songwriting inspiration. Bring it Home displays that Americana influence, with a Ry Cooder-like opening. In the darker moments here there are touches of the late Chris Whiteley too.

Summer Skies also has that wide open spaces feel of America, which will surely confuse those who stumble across Buckinghamshire's One Lone Boy and think he hails from across the Atlantic. Here again are some brooding strings, inter-woven with the acoustic patterns. A female backing singer adds texture.

Soul Suicide is more instant but under the hook lies darker more troubled waters, with references to "black holes in your eyes" and "broken tears". This introspection is matched by the moody opener They All Came Crashing Down. Several years ago, the last thing we needed was another naval gazing male singer songwriter, but after all the recent female dominance, perhaps it's One Lone Boy's chance.