Like Nick Drake, Richard Thompson and the members of Led Zeppelin, Graham MacRae understands that the most important ingredient in great folk rock is neither a "sincere" voice nor "heartfelt" lyrics, but skillful guitar playing. MacRae gives the tried-and-true arrangements (acoustic six-string, keys, drums, voice) and song structures (ABAB pop music) on this record depth and substance with his deft finger-picking, which channels the work of Delta bluesmen, Appalachian bluegrass players and John Fahey. It's amazing how fresh the singer/ songwriter formula sounds when the artist knows more than five chords.

MacRae's singing is less polished than his guitar work, but it's just as engaging. His vocal melodies, like those of psychedelic outsiders Robert Wyatt and Syd Barrett, waver unpredictably, soaring and swooping when you least expect. When MacRae sings, "When you find yourself in town/ could you check if I'm around," his pivoting voice makes me uneasy. No, I most certainly won't come a callin' for you, Graham. Even if I do like your music.

Given the names I've checked and the discomfort I've described, you might be thinking that MacRae's yet another histrionic acid-folk revivalist. Well, not quite. MacRae's record collection might look a lot like Devendra Banhart's, but his heart's in an altogether different place. Conforming to the norms of no scene or market, MacRae will probably struggle to find an audience - but that doesn't mean he doesn't deserve one.

Phillip Buchan