Day One - Probably Art

These guys describe themselves as "urban storytellers," and on first listen one is inclined to agree with them. Vocalist Phelim Byrne's tones carry the listener through the album, in a world-weary yet affectionate fashion, and at no time does he lecture or demean his audience. He's easily equalled in the music stakes by Day One's other half, the amazing multi-instrumentalist Matthew Hardwidge. There's the upfront lyricism of hip-hop, spiky jazz guitar work and British folk's thoughtfulness. The duo cite the central themes of the album as being "money hardship, friendship, loneliness and intimacy," and each component snakes through every song, conjuring up an image or memory within the listener. [Jonathan Robert Muirhead]