Rhodes

Rhodes has been picking up momentum for more than a year now, featuring on various radio stations, including with Zane Lowe on Radio 1, before he jetted off for the world of Apple. The problem with a build up of hype is of course the raising of expectations. David Rhodes seems comfortable with this though, taking things in his own time and producing music that seems consistent with his wishes (if you excuse the pun).

Raise Your Love may already be quite familiar, having been around for the last twelve months. Its slow building anthemic feel is replicated across much of Wishes, with Breathe and Somebody inparticular following the same gorgeous template. Rhopdes certainly knows a good hook. But a bit like a magician who impresses with endless card tricks, after a while you want to see a rabbit pulled from the hat and Wishes doesn't quite produce that rabbit.

The trick Rhodes repeats is of a slow and quiet opening before an often soaring chorus, but the likes of Close Your Eyes, Your Soul and the closing Wishes are all a little too similar. It could be that this is an album for the modern listening habits. Younger fans are less likely to sweep through all twelve tracks in one go. In that modern sense too, Rhodes fits with the current penchant for male vocalists that have an innocent or vulnerable vocal - see Sam Smith.

His timing might just be perfect in that sense, as we await the next 'big thing'. While not quite a male Adele (although mass appeal may come as he hones his song craft) there are enough tunes here for a wider audience. His shows in the autumn are scheduled for smaller venues across the UK. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him back in larger venues before the spring.