It's not what you know but who you know and usually it's even better to have both factors in your favour. A veteran of the Liverpool scene, Steve Roberts' CV reads like a "Who's Who" of post-1980 Mersey talent. On his second album he enlists the services of ex-Lightning Seeds and La's man Martyn Campbell whose beat group-style production technique follows a similar course to The House Of Love's recent comeback record. Given its origins, it's safe to assume that the music is going to be melodic and although it doesn't disappoint on that side, Roberts also adds the kind of warm delivery in keeping with an experienced campaigner. Amongst the highlights is the infectious 'Heartbreak', the heartfelt 'Watch And Listen' and the "no regrets" closer 'The Ballad Of Alaska'. Then amongst the back to basic songwriting lurks the real gem 'Circus'; beneath its achingly good tune lies analogies and metaphors which could well be a swipe at modern day pop music. Elsehwere, though, the mood is a positive one on this old-fashioned but thoroughly likeable record.