Album: Lucky Soul, A Coming of Age (Ruffa Lane)

Lucky Soul's debut album, The Great Unwanted, was adored by everyone who encountered it.

The 1960s stylings of that instant classic are still present on Ali Howard and Andrew Laidlaw's second effort, but as part of a much wider sonic spectrum that now includes hints of ABBA, Dolly Parton, The Smiths and Blondie. From the irresistible glam-pop stormer "Woah Billy!" to the Sylvia Plath goes to Nashville melancholy of "Love 3", this is the sound of a band switching from black-and-white to colour. One of the albums of the year, hands down.