In a curious twist on the Big Brother modus operandi, the entire recording of Newton Faulkner’s new album Studio Zoo was streamed live from his home studio in East London. Presumably the point was to demonstrate just how laborious and detailed the process can be.
Faulkner produced and engineered the record himself and the album is driven by the beautifully raw acoustic guitar style that has become his trademark. Indeed, the record is at its best when the music is stripped down to just his voice and his artful strumming.
The lead single, ‘Losing Ground’, is an anthem in the vein of previous hits such as ‘Dream Catch Me’, from his debut. It’s also the only song to feature pre-recorded material in the form of handclaps. As with the rest of the album, it’s a triumph of soul and emotion. The highlight for me is ‘Plastic Hearts’, a wonderfully catchy footstomper, full of genuine emotion. Welcome back from the Zoo, Newton...

Key Track: 'Plastic Hearts'