Karl Smith – Kites

Since winding up Sodastream in 2006, Karl Smith has formed Lee Memorial with members of Sleater-Kinney, the Nation Blue and Paradise Motel, but Kites marks his first solo outing. The LP doesn’t signal a radical departure: it’s a collection of wry, quirky indie-pop, which leans heavily on keyboards and brass in its sonic palette. As jaunty pieces like Little Lucy indicate, Smith hasn’t lost his way with a tune, and the LP maintains a typical concision and clarity of structure throughout.

Kites is Smith’s thirteenth album in one project or another, and it bears the hallmarks of a confident songwriter, who recognises the value of spareness; even the lead single, I Want You, is remarkably understated, centring around a simple keyboard hook and some gently picked acoustic guitar. There are no surprises here, but fans of Smith’s work in Sodastream will appreciate the continuing evolution of a quietly talented craftsman. [Sam Wiseman]