Initially starting out life as something of a side project for Ian “I.H.” Wright, the Former Soviet Republic has evolved over the last three years to become the songwriter’s main musical focus. Is Made Of This is his debut album. A compelling and confessional listen, the 11-track record is an introspective affair that wisely opts not to clutter Wright’s cracked croon with needless instrumentation. Instead, skeletal guitar lines (‘Nebraska’) and the humble recorder (‘PS2’) score his lovesick laments, giving the songs a raw and ragged feel. For the most part, it works really well. While some may find the relentless gloom a little too much to take in one sitting, after a few listens, fans of Mark Lanegan and the Eels will love this and most likely find comfort in the darkness.