I’ve had the pleasure of seeing David Kitt perform live on a few occasions, including a great performance in front of an adoring Irish audience. But as a recording artist, he has tended to disappoint. His last album possessed two superb songs mixed in with many average ones. So SQUARE 1 is an important album for Kitt and especially in creating interest in his substantial skills in a UK market notorious for giving genuine talent the brush-off.

The opening few lines of the album give the game away pretty convincingly. I’m In Love With A Girl is an enchanting and beautiful declaration that only needs its forty second duration to convince of the man’s sincerity and entrapment. Me & My Love ups the tempo in a gently meandering love song with a superglue melody and an easygoing, fluid vocal. Tonic opens with distorted string samples beforeKitt provides the highlight of the album. It’s a distinctive song that barely moves above heartbeat rate, and gives forth a mesmerising set of lyrics and more attractive instrumental passages. Kitt is in his element as he continues to reveal intimate details of this relationship and the way it’s affecting him. There are deft instrumental touches throughout the album, and I’m struck by the honesty and integrity of it all as Kitt gently sings to his lady and his audience.

The highly respected Hot Press magazine has already proclaimed SQUARE 1 as a potential ‘best of year’ album. I’m not sure. Yes, it’s very beautiful, gentle and sincere with great lyrics, wonderful instrumental passages, and melodies that have that immovable quality. But, it’s perhaps a little too introspective, with every song sounding very much like the last. It’s this lack of diversity in pace and mood, and a vocal that sounds too one-dimensional that rather spoils an otherwise very good album. In comparative terms, Kitt’s album is similar to but better than Aqualung’s latest because it comes from the heart, and out of real personal experience. SQUARE 1 is delightful pop album and especially for those who want to know what true love feels like. Buy this album, and hope…

3.5/5