Album: Ben Ottewell - Shapes and Shadows

You might not know the name but if you've ever heard a Gomez album you'll recognise the gruff tones of Ben Ottewell.

His debut solo album showcases this vocal but also reveals that five years in the making and Californian production has smoothed the edges off. In losing the rawness he's lost some of his appeal.

But this is a solid collection and not without it's charms. Quieter, more mature, and the quirkiness of Gomez toned down. Having a respectable dinner party, candlelit bath or a reflective moment about the passing of your glory days? Well, there is a soundtrack ready made for you here.

In this niche though it puts in a sterling performance with piano and swelling strings behind those familiar tones. The voice gets a little bigger and a little rougher on Chicago and Chose, while No Obstacles ups the tempo and lifts it toward the top of the singer/songwriter/man with guitar pile.

As the second half of the album gets underway there is something soothing in the smoothing out of Ottewell's vocal. The acoustic charms weave their magic and closer Take This Beach burrows under the skin, a haunting melody with such a laid back feel, a lullaby which eases away the urge to hunt out and listen to his early work with Gomez.

Initially leaving a slight disappointment that he didn't create a vast aural landscape and really open that voice up this is a grower of an album subtly teaching that adding an intimacy to this unique vocal sets it apart and distinct as a truly solo work.