Ian Love (formerly of Rival Schools and Cardia - who?) released his eponymous debut of ten self-recorded tracks, playing almost everything himself - from harmonica to harmonies and string arrangements.

A veteran of the New York hardcore scene the album has a retro late sixties folk feel. It could easily be a hybrid of Donovan and early Paul Simon and it's hard to imagine that Love has progressed to this point via punk, heroin addiction and rehab. His previous ouput was with Rival Schools, and more latterly Cardia in 2003.

The album is full of acoustic based reflections, and while Old Enough shows a turn of pace it's still a predominantly acoustic track. It's Not Over is probably the pick of the bunch with melancholy slide guitar added to the mix.

To be honest it's difficult to see who this is going to appeal to. It's not overtly commercial and is unlikely to attract airplay. Don't get me wrong, it's not unpleasant, but there's not much here that's going to warrant pressing the repeat button. It'll probably sell in limited quantities at gigs, but I'm guessing that's about it.

**

Review by Pete Whalley

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly