WORLD GONE BLIND

Rochdale presents its latest musical son in singer Kirk McElhinney. World Gone Blind, an album recorded at Manchester’s Limefield Studios, received the official launch treatment at Band On The Wall back in January. With all songs written by the man himself, bar a cover of Marvin Gaye’s ‘Inner City Blues’, McElhinney flexes his songwriting muscles, showing both variety and diversity. From the picked opening of ‘Circle’, which gives the first nod to guitarist Bert Jansch who McElhinney considers his guru, to the likes of ‘Price You Pay’, the album epitomises the laidback cool of John Martyn and the pastoral feel of Nick Drake, particularly on the gorgeous ‘Where I Belong’. There are contemporary Weller grooves on ‘Answer To Our Prayers’ and the title track reflects on balance in the world, inspired by encountering poverty during a visit to India. With sophisticated production, it’s an album of stylish quality.

Mike Ainscoe