The CV of Dereck Higgins is an impressively diverse one. Beginning with influential post-punkers Digital Sex, Higgins has since gone on to enjoy stints in jazz and reggae outfits culminating in concert appearances alongside The Chameleons' Mark Burgess. Only recently has Higgins opted for a solo career and 'Dereck 2' is his craftily-titled second long player. Given his career path it's probably a little surprising that the primary influences are the masters of delicately-played guitar patterns. Certainly it's hard not to think of Felt when hearing 'Jane' or 'The Door' and the poignant 'War Statement' is pure Durutti Column. On a few occasions - as on 'Undying Devotion' - the production is a little too clean and tasteful but these fears are quickly diminished when Higgins' deep vocals usher in the echoed melancholia of 'In This Room'. The quiet ambience of 'M2', meanwhile, is on a par with Eno's 'Music For Airports'. Overall, a dignified record from a man with a creative past and - on this evidence - a fruitful future.