Steve Mason – Meet The Humans

Steve Mason's third solo album under his own name finds the erstwhile Fifer embracing a folktronica style familiar from those Beta Band days. There's a move away from the man-the-barricades politics that defined 2013's Monkey Minds In The Devil’s Time, but sharp social observations can be found on opening track Water Bored. The themes running throughout Meet the Humans are more personal reinvention and romantic reflection than the perils of neoliberalism.

Mason relocated last year from London to Brighton and this new start has led to a positive outlook. 'I know you ran away – but I'm fine, as I don't mind,' he tells us on Run Away, while the following To A Door is positively jaunty. These songs are strong enough to be recorded with minimal accompaniment and that instantly recognisible, hushed voice – but the best moments are when his love of electronica shines through, as on lead single Planet Sizes. Now in his early 40s, Mason sounds like an artist finally finding his creative stride.