Bill Ryder-Jones was guitarist/vocalist for the West Kirby Merseyside band The Coral, who were successful in releasing 5 top 10 albums in mid 2000s, starting out as teenagers. 

His latest solo album is complete with classy hooks and rousing choruses, and his closely mic-ed voice is fragile, delicate, even on the edge of croaky, giving the impression he's sharing intimacies directly with the listener. 

Featuring lush pop hooks and even school assembly choirs of kids - the songs sound triumphant and powerful and happy even if most of them are dark, sad and of lost love.