Times are tough in Brit-soul when a talent like Shaun Escoffery can't land a major-label deal. Big-money backing doesn't guarantee success, but it would prove that the industry's support of British artists is more than cosmetic. This album is quite the most winning thing to emerge this year from the London scene that produced Seal and, more recently, Lynden David Hall. Escoffery's cashmere voice and romanticism make reference to heritage soul, but the textures and flavours (he wouldn't spell it "flavas") are modern. The stand-out Days Like This, a summer breeze of a tune, incorporates ambient shadings into its classic-soul flow. Space Rider's easy-fit funk was clearly influenced by Jamiroquai - but don't press fast-forward, it's lovely. And don't miss Into the Blue, a cosmic clash of drum'n'bass and heart-rending vocal. Escoffery is a real find.
