Patrick Freeman - Cherry Blossom Fall: The roughly recorded nature just adds to the charm

There is no doubting Patrick Freeman’s influences after just one run-through of his debut album.

Judging by these nine tracks, it sounds like the Dublin-based musician has a fixation on 1970s pop, with the spectre of Jeff Lynne looming large.

Coupled with the semi-orchestral nature of tracks like Conversation and the loungey cabaret of Butterfly, there's more than a hint of Neil Hannon, too.

Elsewhere, Misfits buzzes into life with just a smidgen of prog rock, while the plump, brass-infused canter of the excellent Lose My Mind signals a love of The Beatles.

Still, the common denominator on all of these songs is a fine ear for melody, and their roughly recorded nature just adds to their charm. One to keep an eye on.

[ patrickfreemanmusic.com ]