(Chemikal Underground)

Last year’s solo debut, First and Last, saw Glaswegian guitarist RM Hubbert communicate all manner of emotions and stories through his own beautifully lush and percussive playing style. On this second album, Hubbert (who supported Sebadoh and Tortoise during his decade playing guitar with El Hombre Trajeado) has taken the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, in turn, broadening his musical palette.

Aidan Moffat’s turn on ‘Car Song’ is an instant highlight, taking his infamous drawl at its most carefree and suspending it over a soft pulse and uplifting, sprawling riffs to thrilling effect. Further contributions by Emma Pollock (The Delgados), Alex Kapranos (Franz Ferdinand), Hanna Tuulikki (Nalle) and Wire cover star Alasdair Roberts come together to create Hubby’s most expansive and diverse work to date, while maintaining much of the beautiful simplicity that made his debut so special.