Album: The Leisure Society, Alone Aboard the Ark (Full Time Hobby)

Spring may be slow to arrive, but musically the sun is shining thanks to the third album from this most English of bands – confirmation of what an exceptional talent is their songwriter Nick Hemming.

To the delicate folk of their earlier work has been added a robustness that takes the Brighton-based six-piece in the direction of Blur, and this could be the moment they leave niche behind. Anyone who gets a birthday present from me this year, this is what it will be.