Nat Baldwin - Lights Out

Nat Baldwin is a luminary of the free-folk scene and a track from this mini-album has already been used in an advertising campaign: the re-release of Lights Out has been timed to capitalise on that success and to serve as a taster for the forthcoming album. By stripping down to double bass and vocals, Baldwin creates a brooding atmosphere that emphasises his fragile voice and imaginative playing. That each track is short - only the taut 'Alone' exceeds four minutes - ensures that ideas are not over-extended, while his plaintive singing contrasts eloquently with the staccato bass. Both the sparse arrangements and sense of alienation recall Radiohead's electronic experiments: as an exercise in subtle melancholy, this is a stunning album that explores possibilities without outstaying its welcome. [Gareth K Vile]