Berlin-based Richard Murphy is one of those stalwart types who continues with music despite the fact that he has never been within earshot of mainstream popularity.

Such dedication might be foolhardy if Murphy wasn't such a good songwriter, and his latest album confirms what we have always strongly suspected (particularly on his previous album, 2008's I'm Not Entirely Clear How I Ended Up Like This) – that Murphy is the missing link between Belle & Sebastian and The Monochrome Set.

If for some people such a description is too fey (Jigsaw Records proudly state that it "sticks up for the little guys") and/or the song titles too whimsical (Hang On, I Need To Count The Stops, A Stoppard Fop Is Right Half The Time), then it may not be to your taste.

For lovers of smart-pop individuality, however, it’s a doozy.