From all accounts Steven Lindsay is a maverick singer/songwriter who does things his way – my sort of artist. The result is that you (like me) have probably not heard of him despite the fact that he’s been around for quite a while. Maverick or not, this album should be strong enough to generate media waves and well-deserved sales. Here’s hoping…

First song Hairshirt is introduced with an extended and haunting instrumental/electronic intro that (cleverly) ups the anticipation stakes. The song is a gently loping love song with epic instrumental backdrop featuring just about every type of instrument imaginable (including some pretty impressive horn passages). Lindsay’s vocal delivery is easy, authoritative and expressive, as he performs a song with sufficient melody and lyrical quality to keep one fully engaged. Next up is piano-led Skywriter, a love song that describes the feeling of being lifted skywards by love for a special person. Lindsay’s vocal soars to match the song’s sentiments but perhaps it’s a little too dreamy… Nice though. A touch of (welcome) darkness arrives with This Monkey Is Gone To Heaven where again keyboards play a dominating role. This is my pick of the album with its fabulous vocal and devastating instrumental arrangement that includes the most telling bass-line passages. Check out Lindsay’s final vocal flourish as he aims and reaches an impossibly high key. The Flood is another strong and darker highlight with its shadowy percussion and lyrics which are direct and powerful: “Here comes the flood/there go the planes/here comes the storm/back goes the tide/…” Then comes title track, Kite with its deathly, unrelenting rhythm, magnificent brass flourishes, and distant moving vibe of Metropolis - every song here leaving an emotional mark on the listener. The album communicates both fear and hope in a way that is both compelling and entertaining. Here’s hoping…

4/5