Brought up by an ex-nun and a meter reader and leaving school with only an excellent record in truancy to his name, John Bassett sounds like one of those characters who is destined to become an enigmatic singer-songwriter. His alter-ego of KingBathmat now reveals what eight years of songwriting has done for him. The results are pretty impressive, too, a well-produced cross-genre record that sounds fresh and alive. Bassett is blessed with a salty bluesy voice reminiscent of former Procol Harum frontman Gary Brooker. No suprise then there are some progressive rock influences on show here but 'Unfortunate Soul', 'Post Traumatic' and 'Weather The Storm' are sung with full-blooded gusto and boast big, passionate psychedelic choruses. The mid-paced space-rock of 'Uncle Remus' and the sparest track of all, the closing 'No Compromise' prove that Bassett is no one-trick pony either. As much a folk album as a heavy metal record, 'Son Of A Nun' signals the arrival of a strong talent.