Like other people’s drug experiences, albums about love can leave you cold. Nice story, shame I wasn’t part of it. Initially, the signs on this album aren’t good. I have to threaten Mr Cynic with a big stick, as the over a backdrop of twittering birds, the Kittser informs us he’s in love with a girl. And he thought it could never happen. Sharp intake of breath.

But then the lolloping riff of ‘Me And My Love’ swoops in, and goddamn, it’s hard not to be charmed. Trumpets and cellos whisk you off, and you realise he’s doing it again, just like before, on previous his albums ‘Small Moments’ and ‘The Big Romance’, both perfectly formed and a fine introduction to Kitt’s mellow vocals and delicate electronica. ‘Small Moments’ in particular was a very fine thing; an album made in a small room but with a big vision that hit all the right spots. Albums well received enough to make ‘Square One’ remain in the upper echelons of the Irish hit parade for what seemed like all of last year.

‘Square One’ shouldn’t work but there are too many exquisite, delicate arrangements and simple yet heartfelt lyrics delivered in Kitt’s reassuring and languid timbre, not to be infected by it all. There’s an effortless on tracks such as ‘Faster And Faster’ and the oddly touching ‘House With Trains’ that make it rather enchanting. It could have been an unholy mess –he drafts in some of his siblings and his dad for backing vocal duties on ‘Saturdays’ –but it’s all seamless.

‘Hold Me Close’ is Kitt as his best –a gorgeous melody with a slight arrangement that blooms with strings straining skywards. It’s melodious, warm and heartfelt. If he was ever to fall out of love (it’s been known to happen) it’ll be interesting to see if the resulting ‘Blood On The Tracks’ album is as good as this. On this form, quite probably.

words: Adrian McGahan