The question that begs to be asked about Sheffield-based journeyman Richard Hawley is how come he has avoided the limelight for so long? Boasting a voice that is rich and emotive; in many ways reminiscent of a more earthy Scott Walker, Hawley has spent time acting as Pulp's touring guitarist and was a member of indie also-rans The Longpigs before that. At least this has given Hawley the chance to perfect his talent which he has clearly done on this latest album as well as his two releases from 2001. 'Lowedges' has a lovely, languid feel to it which is far removed from the vagaries fashion. 'The Only Road' and 'It's Over Love' possess that weary 'Everybody's Talkin' feel; in less gifted hands they would sound like hackneyed pastiches; with Hawley's virtuoso finger-picking skills they are rendered timeless. On a generally superb collection, 'On The Ledge' has a gorgeously simple guitar refrain whilst 'Oh My Love' is the nearest Hawley gets to epic and anthemic and - as usual - without seeming to try very hard. Sometimes there's no substitute for experience.