Best known for his score for the film Donnie Darko and the cover of Tears For Fears’ Mad World that was the UK Christmas Number 1 in 2003, Hand On String is Michael Andrew’s first proper solo album.

Released on his own Elgin Park label in the US last year, the album trades on a summery pop vibe. There are shades of Nick Drake and The Beatles but Andrews has is no copyist and has a style very much his own. His soft voice matches the music perfectly and it’s easy to imagine him recording these songs alone with his eyes closed.

There’s little not to like about this album. In fact, I might go so far as to say there’s nothing to dislike about it at all, but that would give you a false impression of my opinion. Yes, there’s nothing to dislike about Hand On String, it’s a nice album to listen to. But “nice” isn’t enough, I want “engaging” and “memorable” too, but I just don’t get them. This album just happens, it doesn’t grab you by the arm and take you with it.

Label: We Love You / Wall Of Sound / PIAS / Elgin Park
Website: www.elginpark.com
Release date: 14th May 2007

Tracklist:

1. Something Already Happened Again
2. Tracings
3. Just A Thought
4. Orange Meet Lemon
5. See Me Plain
6. Sweeping, Cleaning And Organizing
7. Love Is Tired
8. Hand On String
9. Hello Lemon
10. Through The Fog
11. Before The Echo
12. Something Already Happened