To Stars

You'll probbly know Jacques better as Anthony Reynolds, leader of moderately acclaimed also-rans Jack, who released a couple of valuable records on the Too Pure label in the mid-to-late nineties.

The (almost) new name, we assume, is a homage to Brel, whose influence is present - although not overt - in much of the material on this debut. That said, past associations with the likes of Suede and The Divine Comedy also make sense - Reynolds' delivery suggests both those acts' singers, along with arch-stylists and fellow Brel interpreters Bowie and Scott Walker.

But there are also, as hinted at by the hazy 'So Long My Blue Valentine' plus the lysergic sleeve photography, strong hints of spaced-out English pastoralists like Syd, Nick Drake and even Robyn Hitchcock.

So, To Stars is a frequently lovely push-and-pull between bedsit gloom ('The Orchestra I Loved' records "History in her hair" - very Leonard) and a boulevardier's instincts for grace in disgrace. Indeed, the record's constructing of operas from matchsticks recalls nothing so much as Tindersticks' brilliant debut.

Also, check out the covers - a poison music hall take on Abba's 'The Day Before You Came' which faithfully preserves the eerie diary-reportage of the original, and an assured reading of Tim Hardin's 'It'll Never Happen Again' - the boy can carry a heavy tune or two, even if his own arrangements might benefit from a little more dynamism.

Anthony Reynolds is just scratching at the surface - given time, he could be a significant talent. In the meanwhile, you'll find a home for To Stars between De Quincey and Dog Man Star: Olde Englishe Gothick under the influence of some new drugs.