David KittSquare 1Review

Square 1 is the third album from Irish songwriter, David Kitt, and much has been made of the fact that this is an album made by a man who has fallen deeply in love.We are given intimate access to his feelings throughout this gorgeous album starting with the album'sopening line "I'm in love with a girl".

Whilst both of Kitt's previous albums have undoubtedly held a mellow quality, you simply can't avoid it in Square 1. This quality is generated by the warmth of his voice and the obvious care taken in his songwriting. Kitt has always been been respected as a proper songwriter although unfortunately this has only brought him erroneous comparisons to David Gray thus far. However, his music also had a modern edge - squelchy electro noises somehow seemed a perfectly normal addition to his beautifully constructed songs.

This album is slightly more traditional even though the sleevenotes do claim that "Sweet Summer Morning" contains the lesser known instrument 'the nasty e-bowed guitar'. Kitt admits that in the past he has constantly searched for fresh new sounds but his romance has made him more retrospective, remembering those records that act as a security blanket in your life. As a consequence the listener really feels soothed and comforted throughout.

Single "Me and My Love" contains a chirpy horn section and portrays an almost invincible glee. "Tonic" and "House With Trains" are the closest in feel to Kitt's older material (not that surprising given they were written before meeting his wife). Both contain a catchy chorus and lilting acoustic melodies. The really soppy stuff can be found in "Long, Long Stares" and "Saturdays" which are so tender, you feel they could turn even a cold hearted cynic into a desperate romantic.

Kitt has been lauded as the next big thing with each album he's released but with Square 1 you get the feeling he's a man who couldn't care less if it went triple platinum as long as he still had love. I'd suggest you buy it for Valentines Day if I didn't think you should hear it now.