Pete Astor – Spilt Milk
Following last year’s dabblings in kraut-out dubtronica with Ellis Island Sound, Pete Astor returns to what he does best: serenading us with simple, well-crafted jangle-pop. Recent single Mr. Music finds him (self-effacingly?) mocking more venerable performers with its ‘when will he let it go?’ refrain, but elsewhere he’s on a charm offensive, thanks to the doe-eyed delivery of Sleeping Tiger and The Getting There. At times this feels like a celebration of what can be achieved with three chords and an earnest tale, intelligently told.
Far and away the indiest-sounding record Astor has produced since the mid-80s, Spilt Milk was recorded with the help of James Hoare from Ultimate Painting, who themselves are somewhat indebted to The Loft and The Weather Prophets. This, however, proves central to the album’s gentle appeal: it's the product of an artist who’s comfortable in his own skin, and the ensuing warmth of the comfort zone is quietly addictive. [Will Fitzpatrick]