Sean Lennon - Friendly Fire

Being the son of one of the twentieth century's musical icons is a famously double-edged sword for Sean Lennon. While he hardly has to say a word to generate buzz around his work, his music will always be compared to his incomparable father's. After his 1998 debut 'Into the Sun', this unfair reception caused Lennon to take a step back from the recording process. Now, eight years on, 'Friendly Fire' proves that the wait was worthwhile. An assured collection of dreamy, melody-driven songs reveals Lennon as the major talent he always threatened to be. Yes, there are definite shades of the Beatles throughout, but Lennon's sensitive lyrics and haunting harmonies bear a more striking resemblance to the late Elliot Smith. Of the ten songs here, there is only one weak exception - Spectacle - to the excellent standard. More than excellent, 'Friendly Fire' is an unassuming masterpiece. [Nick Mitchell]