Album: Eugene McGuinness, The Invitation to the Voyage (Domino)

The third album by London-Irish singer McGuinness, most visible until lately as a member of Miles Kane's backing band, packs a sly wit and a melodic punch which, at its best, recalls early Squeeze and Talking Heads circa Remain in Light.

With producers Clive Langer (Madness/Elvis Costello) and Dan Carey (Hot Chip/Santigold) fighting it out in the control room, this strikes a balance between old school and new, word and beat, which suits McGuinness perfectly.