Following in the slipstream of fellow Norwegians Kings Of Convenience and William Hut, Magnet AKA Even Johansen is another worthy addition to Scandinavia's growing reputation in modern folk-pop. Johansen's vocals are clearly enunciated and ache with sadness and erupt with joy whenever called upon to do so. 'Last Day Of Summer' is colourful and fragrant, 'The Day We Left Town' borrows from 40's musicals and drum and bass at the same time and 'Nothing Hurts Now' sees his fine voice soar imperiously; it is the finest and most emotional statement on this record. Johansen even gets away with a Dylan cover but he doesn't always get it right. There are a few tracks on 'By Your Side' which meander but fail to find a tune to hang on to such as 'I'll Come Along' and it is these moments which suggest he's not quite up there with his compatriots. However, intriguingly the summery feel of the album takes a decidely autumnal turn with the jazz-like drumming of 'My Darling Curse' and the trip-hop of 'Smile To The World' bringing the show to a darker, uneasy closure. Importantly this is the sign that could make him yet stand out from his peers.