If Music presents: Pagodes [CD]

Jono McCleerys ever growing fanbase will be thrilled to hear that the Rotterdam-based singer songwriter has produced his definitive album. Pagodes is the deepest, most powerful work to date by a musician whose work has been described as like Miles Davis, Massive Attack, John Martyn, Fink, and Radiohead wrapped up in one exquisitely produced sound. Several years of hard work making Pagodes has paid off in spades. Its an album thats difficult to turn away from, full of beautiful melody, futuristic production flourishes and lyrics that dont shy away from darkness, but always alight on uplifting conclusion. Opener This Idea of Us is a smouldering torch ballad, its string arrangement lending it gripping drama. Robert Wyatts Age of Self comes off as a song McCleery was born to sing, its lyrical content as relevant today as it was 30 years ago. The album moves into infectious percussive swing and melodic loops with Ballade, a song that could have come from the LA-jazz hotbed surrounding Flying Lotus. Pagodes marries all of this thrilling diversity via McCleerys existential musings and his startling voice and playing. Its unlikely youll hear an album of such power from another singer songwriter anytime soon.

• Format Detail: CD
• Format: CD
• Genre: Rock