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This is the follow-up to 2013’s more electronic and sampled-based album, Emmettronica, from the sometime Knifeworld and Chrome Hoof member.

Everything here is played on acoustic instruments by Elvin, who’s proficient on guitar and keyboards as well as other musical contraptions that require plucking, prodding or blowing, including mandolin, banjo and something called a “resonator slide guitar”. He’s aided by like-minded guests including Matt Stevens from labelmates The Fierce And The Dead, Stars In Battledress’ Richard Larcombe, Chloe Herington (Knifeworld/Chrome Hoof) and Beverly Crome (The Cesarians). French horn, trumpet, bassoon and cor anglais add to the swelling grandeur. Mixed and mastered by Mark Cawthra (North Sea Radio Orchestra, Arch Garrison), the resulting 16 tracks create a mood that is by turns poignant and playful, melancholic and chilling. The titles may be varied in tone – from Artificial Pterodactyls Over Leytonstone to Beyond Astronomy’s Reach – but there is a unified atmosphere that would suit a soundtrack for a movie involving numerous plot twists and turns. Intriguing. Paul Lester

Paul Lester is the editor of Record Collector. He began freelancing for Melody Maker in the late 80s, and was later made Features Editor. He was a member of the team that launched Uncut Magazine, where he became Deputy Editor. In 2006 he went freelance again and has written for The Guardian, The Times, the Sunday Times, the Telegraph, Classic Rock, Q and the Jewish Chronicle. He has also written books on Oasis, Blur, Pulp, Bjork, The Verve, Gang Of Four, Wire, Lady Gaga, Robbie Williams, the Spice Girls, and Pink.