Shearwater - Rook

As emotionally desolate and haunting as the cold, rocky sea shore depicted on the artwork, Rook utilises the not-insignificant vocal talents of frontman (and producer) Jonathan Meiburg to maximum effect. His ability to drift between almost whispered fragility and soaring falsetto without straining - and with only the very occasional sense of excessive affectation - provides this album with a pervasive beauty. Flagship title-track Rooks is the most obvious point of introduction as the rolling drums offset the sultriness in good measure. Home Life is also a notable highlight, showcasing some brilliant melodic sensibilities and the catchy Century Eyes marks the album's only real moment of levity. The label ‘cheesy’ could perhaps be surreptitiously slapped onto the back of this record as it walks past, but for the recently dumped and disaffected among us, seeking to wallow in gentle self-indulgent melancholy, it’s a good cry waiting to happen. [Chris Cusack]