Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Inverness-based singer/songwriter Andrew Howie (aka Calamateur) has chosen the radio friendly "Banoffee" as the first single from his highly acclaimed 'Each Dirty Letter' album. Showcasing his observational songwriting skills, Howie pays tribute to a woman who has obviously captivated his attention through her humility, natural beauty and ability to laugh at herself - the latter being played out in the fact that she thought the eponymous dessert was a place in the States. As with the remainder of his latest album, this is a polished affair and will have no problem fitting into mainstream radio playlists. Refreshingly, Howie has chosen to strip things back elsewhere by including cover versions of Johnny Cash's hit "Flesh And Blood" and a great rendition of Emmylou Harris' "Strong Hand" with only an acoustic guitar and piano for accompaniment. Lastly, a brave attempt at the Flaming Lips' epic "Feeling Yourself Disintegrate" cements the fact that Howie is an artist of stature who will hopefully find his work gaining wider recognition.

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