Willy Mason – ‘We Can Be Strong’ (Chrysalis) Released 14/05/07

Willy Mason's voice is disconcertingly authoritative for someone who's only 22. In the same vein as Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst - who first released Mason's work on his Team Love label - he sings with a knowingness which is beyond his years. And with two folk singers as parents, it's unsurprising that he's able to spin a good story into a great song. Scots songstress KT Tunstall picks up the backing vocals on 'We Can Be Strong' , which tells of drop outs and wariness at the world. In the end, though, it assures the world that Mason can't be beaten down easily - which is good news if he's coming out with music like this.