M Craft - 'Silver & Fire' (679) Released 22/05/06

Another East London-based musician, from the decadent streets of Dalston, Martin Craft however offers something different from the Libertines/Babyshambles/Razorlight/Others axis, delivering richly textured and highly melodic music with a voice that sounds somewhere between Elliott Smith and Jack Johnson. Thankfully though he manages to steer clear of the tergid wasteland that is James Blunt territory to deliver a highly accomplished debut album.

The various aural textures that make up 'Silver & Fire' are woven together with the broadest of threads. Folk fused with country, bossa nova, latin and even disco beats are all utilised at various ponts. Craft's vocals have a smooth warmth to them, with some impressive guitar work offering a lovely handpicked feel to many of the tracks.

The songs themselves vary greatly, from the dancefloor stomp of 'You Are The Music' to more ballad-like 'Love Knows How To Fight'. There are many musical styles in the mix here, but nothing veering towards pastiche, fortunately.

Whether it's mournful folk, latino vibes or even a hint of jazz (the title track has certain elements), Craft has shown not all music made in East London need sound like its surroundings.