Philosophical, lyrical, and interested in all things mystical, at fifteen Michael knew he had to write songs. This brand new release outputs a neo-retro English folk-pop - and at times music-hall pop. Michael's melodies are inspired by the call of motorways, the spirituality of landscape, the false promise of shopping centres, and the tragedy of tower blocks. “Writing melody is what I find absorbing and compelling. But it's never easy.” His lyrics speak of diverse topics: eg. unrequited love (Wintertime), of political frustration (We Want Justice), of life in the trenches (No Mans Land) of a life heading towards suicide (Daniel Gabrielle) of places that have left an impression (Killorglin) and many other things He venerates the skill of songwriters through the 20th Century. From the Tin Pan Alley days of the 20s, to Gershwin, the musicals writers of the 30s & 40s, to the writers of post 50s: Leiber & Stroller, Goffin & King, Bacharach David, Lennon & McCartney, Brian Wilson, Holland Dozier Holland, Simon a