Eight years after his debut solo album, Democracy Of One, Colin Devlin returns with a sophomore effort that stands out impressively amongst the singer-songwriter swarm. Simply put, High Point contains some of the best songwriting of Devlin's career.

Recorded in Los Angeles and Montreal, High Point is expertly produced by Pierre Marchand, and there are some fascinating musical flourishes in amongst the 11 tracks. 'Highwire' is a beautiful piece performed with a delicately hushed, soulful vocal, while 'This Is Where We Are' has a beautifully warm, West Coast tone - the ideal soundtrack for some wistful California dreamin' of a starry night. Similarly, the melancholic 'Shine On' has a spellbinding atmosphere courtesy of its ambient washes.

'Exosphere', though, feels like the definitive example of the album's haunting, hypnotic tenderness. Alongside Devlin's cited influences of Brian Eno and Peter Gabriel, High Point might occasionally feel rather 'straight', but it has more than enough creative flair to make it a hugely rewarding listen. In the overcrowded market of Irish singer-songwriters, for me Devlin's experimental touches put him head and shoulders about the competition.

Out now.

8/10