Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Belfast's Booley originally released this as an independent EP with an eye to making a mainstream impact. Now extended to a full album, the inclusion of new material only makes my lips smack with anticipation. Like a growing number of others, I am quickly concluding that Booley has the vocal talent, imagination and songwriting nous to make him a huge artist! Just needs the breaks! Where the EP suffered in places production wise, the inclusion of new material as strong as the wonderful energetic "Tesco Queen" and the jangly pop of "Day After Disaster" gives the whole project a fresh feel. The title cut has hit single written all over it, while the ballad "God On Your Side" demonstrates that Booley is willing to write songs that hit the heart of difficult issues. My favourites have to be the rip-roaring, interestingly-titled "Patrick Moore" piled high with energy and poetry, and the dreamy atmospheric "Candyfloss". Booley's choice to record music which is more guitar-oriented is proving to be a smart move and with plenty of whistles and bells thrown into the equation, this is a fine debut solo album. Although you may already own half this album, you'd be stupid not to grab the whole deal because Booley keeps getting better.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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