Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Albums that set out to be eclectic and wide-ranging in stylistic variety can often be muddled and unfocussed. Yet this never happens to York-based singer/songwriter Miles Cain and he, and producer Paul Davies, deserve hearty congratulations for coming up with 11 tracks of such fascinating music. From the apocalyptic opener “Waking Up With The House On Fire” with its eerie, ricocheting electro-pop accompaniment to the poetic, spoken word closer “It’s Amazing To Be Here” this is a fascinating listen from a songsmith who, with Davies’ expert help, offers a hugely enjoyable set of diverse tracks. Lyrically, it’s inventive too ranging from the achingly wistful “All Of Our Lives” to the downright silly “Raining Cats And Dogs”. Thinking man’s pop has seldom sounded catchier. In his biog Miles observes “the best albums mix sadness and joy in equal measure.” This one does that expertly.

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