Treasured by the fortunate few to have discovered them, the two Montgolfier Brothers albums released so far contain some of the most beautifully melancholic music committed to compact disc. The joining together of multi-instrumentalist Mark Tranmer and vocalist Roger Quigley seems so inspired that it's almost disappointing that both have concentrated on other projects since 2002's 'The World Is Flat'. Whilst Tranmer has turned his attentions to largely instrumental releases under his own name as well as Gnac, Quigley assumes the title of At Swim Two Birds. If anything, this solo album is more intimate than his work with Tranmer; this is partly due to the fact that much of the recording took place at his home in Salford. In style and mood, it makes the perfect bedfellow for Ben Watt's 'North Marine Drive'; sharing those same attributes of rainy day melancholia and some deliciously unwinding guitar patterns. Added to this of course is Quigley's reassuring and deeply moving voice; never overstated and always capable of conveying maximum emotional impact. Lovely, bittersweet music which whets the appetite nicely for the next Montgolfier Brothers release.