Clogs - 'Lantern'

There are not enough albums like this in the world, and the way the contemporary record industry works, it's likely such gems will continue to fly under the radar. Mostly instrumental, and featuring some exceptional virtuoso guitar work, this will no doubt be some of the most intricate, emotive, and beautiful music that will be released this year. That it took a French label to do it should make other record companies feel ashamed. Best described as contemporary classical, from beginning to end it weaves together strands of violin, guitar, horns and other instruments that make this music ideal for devouring by itself or as background for creative listening. There are no standout tracks, this is an album to be heard in its entirety as it builds from melancholic to inspiring, jaunts through playful then finally trails off to weary satisfaction. [Xavier Toby]