Folk music appears to be emerging from a haze of obscurity into the glowing limelight at the moment; in a world where Nick Drake (a man who died over a quarter of a century ago) is mentioned more and more by young and old alike it seems only right that a new star emerges to at least bring the genre up to date. Badly Drawn Boy (Damon Gough to his Mum) is one such gentleman and this debut album certainly proves that all the hype surrounding his earlier EPs were merited. Tender anthems such as 'Camping Next To Water' and the modestly-titled 'Pissing In The Wind' convey heartbreaking melodies allied with 'The Boy's' lovely, clear voice. 'Magic In The Air' probably edges it as the outstanding cut on the album, particularly in the way it transforms the chorus from 'Love Is Contagious' into a piece of stark, understated beauty whereas it sounded overwrought in Taja Savelle's hands. Gough is not afraid to rely on ghosts from the past as influences, however, and there is a Beck-like quality to his musical approach which lends the project a certain freshness as the more rock-orientated tracks such as 'Everybody's Stalking', 'Once Around The Block' and 'Another Pearl' testify.