Leaves Lo
Five Records

Australian-born Ben is a natural singer-songwriter talent. After touring with the band Ruby’s grace, alongside his brother Sam and making two albums and two EPs down in he moved to Glasgow in 2006 and has been there ever since. In some ways he reminds me of Scottish act James Grant, only thing the young Ben is easier to listen to, and through his intimate production and gliding vocals breaks down barriers others don’t.

Wonderful easy on the ear pop folk that enjoy engaging qualities that border on addiction make you want to check out the album from which the single hails.

www.myspace.com/bentdmusic

Strange Glory
Brille Records

Lucas Renney, former frontman of XL signed Sunderland pop band The Golden Virgins has recently released a solo LP on Brille records, home to The Knife and Envelopes amongst others. Strange Glory is out now on CD and all digital formats. The album was produced by former Cocteau Twin and now Bella Union boss Simon Raymonde and features various members of Midlake alongside Stephanie Dosen on backing vocals and orchestral arrangements by Fiona Brice.

The album is very melodic, memorable and beautifully arranged, the songs poetic and reflective, with an autumnal feel to them. The album is reminiscent of Richard Hawley and Elvis Costello at their best and on the whole comparable to a classic from Will Oldham or Leonard Cohen. To listen to a selection of tracks and find out about forthcoming live shows, go to Lucas' Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/lucasrenney

High Wide And Handsome - The Charlie Poole Project
Proper Records.

In tribute to old-time musician, hard drinking womanising banjo act Charlie Poole, folk legend Loudon Wainwright (father of Rufus and Martha Wainwright —who are now both forging a career of their own) and former husband of Kate McGarrigle not only dips back in time for the songs on this album but along with songwriter-producer Dick Connette also written nine new songs to go with the twin CD set.

It Hertz
Sheffield Phonographic Corporation

Katsen are Chris Blackburn and Donna Grimaldi.I have just discovered the Brighton electro pop duo and they are a great new musical find.Like their contempories,Trademark,Marsheaux, and Trademark they do a neat line in future pop.In the current climate of La Roux and Little Boots,electro pop is now in vogue and Katsen should be a cult hit in electro circles.They make you dance and move in a future retro way.They even throw in covers of Cactus by The Pixies and In love with a german filmstar by The Passions which is surprisingly good as its an untouchable classic.My favourite though has to be island in an Island which is a malfunctioning spectrum classic.Search out and find Katsen,their futuro pop is the cure for post summer blues.

www.myspace.com/katsenbeeps