Never one to be easily pigeon holed, Mocky has thrown away his electronic shackles, brought in a string quartet and revisited a time when drums were hit by sticks, cellos played with a bow, crooners were cool and Bob Moog was still tinkling the ivories.

Listed as playing drums, bass, Rhodes, piano, guitar, percussion, bells, recorder, vocals, whistle, organ and toys(?!) Mocky could have done it all on his own but for good measure also invited friends Jamie Lidell, Gonzales, Taylor Savvy and Feist to help him out.

‘Music to my Ears’ opens the album and pretty much sets the tone for what’s to come. A gentle jazz ballad with classy strings, a good old-fashioned whistle in the background and Mocky’s gentle restrained scatting. If this song was a bar it would be your favourite 5* hotel cocktail lounge.

The crafted pop genius of ‘Birds Of A Feather’ is where Mocky finally reveals his soulful, folk inflected vocals and again reaffirms his whistling ability just before ‘Golden Dream’ suddenly forces you to choke on your olive, drop your martini and head to the dance floor as a funky bass line, scatted melodies and house like strings herald the most refined disco track of the year.

Smooth in its best sense, this album is all about the melody whether Mocky is soothing us with classic ballads, suave cultured jazz or reminding us of a more innocent age of pop this album is a classy listen start to finish.

Probably best reserved for those lazy Sunday mornings and tender late night moments this is also one of those rare albums both your mum and your mates will love.

Senseless Records Website