Stewart Agnew

Hello Bright Spark Trick Records ***

We'd lay good money down that the album title is not so much a greeting as a clear-headed statement of intent. Frankly, we've been waiting too long for a third album from this Dundalk singer-songwriter. There's danger in retreating to the point of disappearance, yet, as if to make amends, Agnew has bounced right back (and in good rude health, too). Produced and engineered by Roger Bechirian (you'll know the name from albums by Squeeze, Elvis Costello and BellX1, to name but a paltry few), Hello Bright Sparkunleashes a pop sensibility so pronounced it's a wonder that Ron Sexsmith hasn't gone into hiding. Bright spark is right – listen to the likes of For the First Time, Candy Floss, Look How the Stars Turn Onand Rain Falls Hard, and prepare to be impressed. See stewartagnew. com

Download tracks: For the First Time, Candy Floss