Jono McCleery – There Is

A product of the ever-diversifying Ninja Tune stable, Londoner Jono McCleery may have self-released his debut and been directed to the label's more rock-orientated offshoot Counter Records for this follow-up release, however it's an album shot through with Ninja's far-reaching aesthetic. Essentially a collection of brooding, often quite beautiful urban laments, There Is winds itself around McCleery’s subtle, soulful vocals, flanked throughout by a minimalistic array of padded acoustic plucking, glitchy electro-textures and glancing orchestral sweeps.

Undeniably strong throughout, the album is nonetheless defined by a trio of standout tracks. The dynamic It’s All breaks from smoky ballad to Cinematic Orchestra-styled widescreen-jazz with grand ambition, whilst the daringly deconstructed reimagining of Black’s Wonderful Life shimmers with an intensity which echoes the barren and bruised dupstep of James Blake. However it’s the interminably sad symphony of heart-searing organ and cello on Tomorrow which truly rises above and beyond, proving that whilst stylistically sharp, There Is carries more than just a little emotional weight. [Paul Neeson]