Relocating from the bustle of London to rural Scotland and then to Donegal to record his second album, Foy Vance has found both his geographical and creative niche. The Bangor man accomplishes a beautiful balance in the uplifting and the ruminative, with the spry piano of the Springsteen-esque Closed Hand, Full of Friends building to a surging chorus as subtly as At Least My Heart Was Open and Regarding Your Lover deal with the end of a relationship. The rich production enhances this collection, with hints of soul, Americana and the faint husk of Vance's vocals combining for an album of real depth and beauty. With guests Ed Sheeran (Guiding Light) and Bonnie Raitt (You and I) on board, this could – and should – be the album to finally launch Vance internationally. foyvance.com
Download: Joy of Nothing, Closed Hand, Full of Friends